ST Cyriac’s Church in Swaffham Prior is used to spreading the word of god, but it could soon be spreading an altogether different sort of message…broadband internet!

A planning application has been lodged with East Cambridgeshire District Council to erect radio equipment on the tower of the Grade II*-listed church, which historians say dates back to at least the 15th century.

The purpose of the equipment is to enhance the broadband service provided by the Reach and Swaffham Prior Community Broadband group to more people in the village and beyond.

In a statement to planners, applicant Hugh de Lacy said: “The impact on the fabric of the building will be minimised by the design of the installation which is largely of a temporary nature.

“This is achieved by the proposed mounting of all the radio equipment on the flagpole and the supporting equipment in a free standing box strapped to the base of the pole.

“The power of the radio emissions from the equipment would be approximately a thousand times lower than those from a typical mobile phone base station and are therefore considered to be completely safe.”

A decision on the plans is expected within the next eight weeks. To view the plans, or to have a say, visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk