MOBILE phone users in Wimborne and surrounding areas could see an improvement in their 4G signal if plans for a new mast are approved.

Mobile infrastructure firm Cornerstone has applied for permission to install a radio base station – including a 25m-high mast – at All Hallows Farm, in Coach Road, Wimborne, to provide improved coverage for the town and nearby rural areas.

The application to Dorset Council comes as part of the Government-backed Shared Rural Network scheme, a collaboration between mobile firms Vodafone, VMO2 and Three, to boost coverage in rural parts of the UK.

“Without base stations, the mobile phones and other devices we rely on simply won’t work,” the application said.

It comes after a previous bid for a development off the B3081 in Cranborne was withdrawn amid objections.

“This is a remote location with minimal mobile coverage at the current time,” it went on.

“There are a number of trees to the north and west of the site that will help shield the site from this direction, and will provide a backdrop when looking towards this direction.

“The trees in the wider area will also help the mast from appearing stark in the landscape.”

For more information on the plans, and to comment, log on to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search for application reference P/PAEL/2023/03210.