A new 20m telecommunications mast is set to be erected on the fringes of a nature reserve near Machynlleth.

The installation, which is part of the new Emergency Services Network (ESN), received full planning approval by Powys County Council this week.

It will replace a 15m mast, part of the expiring "airwave" system currently used by the nation's emergency services network, on the same site near the Glaslyn reserve at Penyglog, Aberhosan.

At ground level, additional cabins/cabinets will be positioned adjacent to the new tower base, along with a standby generator.

Documents provided by the home office as part of the planning application say the technology will be based on enhancing an existing commercial 4G network, configured to give emergency services priority over other users. Police, Fire and Health are all represented on the Programme at strategic and operational levels, including the relevant government departments and devolved bodies in Scotland and Wales.

Due to the minor nature of the height increase, the proposed replacement is not deemed to have any additional impact upon the landscape," reads a report from Powys County Council Planner Rhian Griffiths.

"The proposed equipment cabinets are considered small for telecommunications equipment, and as such will not be prominent in the wider landscape. The application also proposes a hedgerow on the northern, eastern, and western boundaries on the compound which will assist in screening the equipment cabinets from view."

Planning permission was granted on the condition that a detailed Biodiversity Enhancement Plan would be submitted to Powys County Council, and that no external lighting was installed without prior approval.