A five-metre tall "stub tower", supporting three mobile signal antennas and two transmission dishes has been given planning permission.

The tower, which will be used by Vodafone, will be built on top of an existing building on Goodall Street, Macclesfield.

Permission was granted unanimously by Cheshire East's northern planning committee on Wednesday (March 10), following a deferral in January.

The original bid was deferred in order to ask Vodafone to look at potential alternative sites.

Representing Vodafone at the meeting was Jamaal Hafiz — from Clarke Telecom Ltd's planning team, who told councillors: "Following the deferral of the application, a total of 16 sites [were examined] with detailed reasons why they are not suitable have been provided.

"The proposed location is an established telecommunications site. There is a specific requirement for replacement installation at this location to provide equivalent to an improved 2G, 3G, and 4G coverage and capacity ensuring the area in and around Macclesfield maintains access to the latest technology.

"The operators' permanent site was located on the old building. However, following roof repairs the operator now requires to relocate from the repaired roof."

The tower will also incorporate two equipment cabinets, 18 remote radio units, and nine combiners.

Councillors felt that the work of examining alternative sites had been done "thoroughly".

Approval was moved by Cllr Nick Mannion and seconded by Cllr Sally Holland, with all 12 members of the committe voting in favour.