A 30 metre high telecommunication tower in Penallt has been approved by Monmouthshire County Council’s (MCC) planning department.

The tower comes as part of a contract to supply rural areas of Wales with superfast broadband.

The tower will be situated within Pen-y-Garn Farm and would enable the surrounding area to benefit from higher internet speeds.

Situated within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the tower would be operated by AB Internet, a firm specialising in providing superfast broadband to rural areas where there are no alternative options.

The plans were recommended for approval by Trellech United Community Council.

Councillor Debby Blakebrough said: “The main issue of this application is that the site of the mast is in a sensitive area. It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty and is an area we rely on for our tourism.

“The other love of my life however is connectability and ensuring rural areas are not left behind.

“With this superfast scheme one of the main frustrations among residents is lack of broadband.

“The benefits of the scheme clearly outweigh the visual impact on the area.

“On balance I can’t find any legitimate planning consideration to reject this application.”

Councillor David Dovey also offered his support for the mast. He said: “In other communities we have been campaigning for better broadband in this county.

“We have the opportunity here to improve it significantly. The occupation of the towers is driven by technology.

“It will bring great benefits to Monmouthshire and to the people who enjoy the benefit of tourism, it’s not very good when you’ve got a bed and breakfast in a rural area where people can’t get the internet to work”.

The plans were approved yesterday (5th January) by MCC.