Mobile phone companies O2 and Vodafone are planning to upgrade a base station at Seend Cleeve.

They propose replacing the existing 17.5 metre mast with a 20 metre high mast and an equipment cabinet to cater for future 4G coverage.

The companies have agreed to jointly operate and manage a single network grid across the UK.

The base station is next to a disused quarry at Seend Cleeve.

In the plan submitted to Wiltshire Council the companies’ agent said a retained base station is needed at the site to maintain existing network coverage and capacity and to cater for 4G network for both Telefonica, commonly known as O2, and Vodafone.

“The scheme would be set back from the highway, within private land which allows for unimpeded pedestrian and vehicular movements.

“There are mature trees and foliage in the immediate locality,” the agent added.