A planning appeal has been launched for a proposed 5G mast outside the ambulance station at Welwyn Garden City's New QEII Hospital.

The application, submitted in January by EE and CK Hutchison Networks, to install a 17.5m high tower in Ascots Lane were turned down by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.

The site, close to the New QEII Hospital, is jointly owned by the mobile network providers, and the proposed mast would replace a previous installation close to the hospital that was vacated as per the terms of a lease agreement.

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"To maintain the network coverage in the area for both EE & Three, a relocated site is necessary," EE and CK Hutchison Networks told this newspaper in January.

"It is important to note that EE will be taking over the emergency services network provision and this forms an important aspect of the wider Emergency Services Network."

Rejecting the initial plans, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council said: "The installation of the tower and associated ancillary works, by virtue of its height, siting and design, would be visually intrusive and lead to harm to the character and appearance of the street scene and surrounding area."