Plans to replace a 50-metre mast at the summit of Snaefell have been approved.

A planning application was submitted by National Air Traffic Services (NATS) in June to replace the existing mast at the summit of the island’s only mountain.

The site provides air traffic coverage and also hosts equipment for Manx Telecom, British Aerospace and the Coastguard.

The 50-metre mast occupies a key location for the delivery of the UK’s regulated air navigation services.

At a recent planning committee meeting, members gave the proposals the green light after they were recommended for approval by the planning officer.

Senior planning officer Jason Singleton said: ‘The benefits of providing the replacement radio communication tower and associated communication equipment are considered to outweigh the limited visual harm in this location resulting from the development.’

The replacement tower will remain 50 metres high, matching the existing structure, with the upper 18 metres constructed from timber and the lower 32 metres from steel.

There is also a second mast at the summit owned by the Department of Home Affairs.

The applicant said: ‘It is vitally important that NATS maintains coverage at all times due to aircraft safety. Once the new mast is in place and fully integrated, the existing mast will be removed.’

Planners say the existing mast must be removed in its entirety within 12 months of the new mast being erected.

The application also highlighted the challenges involved in replacing the structure at such an exposed location.

The planning statement said: ‘The logistics of this site are complex due to the limited access available. At one stage, NATS considered using military helicopters, but this is no longer an option.

‘Civilian helicopters may potentially be used, although their lifting capacity is significantly lower.

‘However, they are likely to be used for installing the upper sections of the tower to reduce working at height and minimise weather-related risks. The majority of materials will therefore be transported to the summit using the existing railway.’