It's one of the most famous landmarks in Yorkshire.
But the towering Emley Moor TV mast is likely to shrink by 11m (36ft), after its owner applied for planning permission so broadcast antennae at the top of the Grade II listed structure can be removed.
The work would lower the height of the mast from its current 330.4m (1,084ft) to 319m, but it would still retain its place as the tallest freestanding structure in the UK.
Broadcasting company Arqiva, which owns the mast known as Arqiva Tower, has applied to Kirklees Council for planning permission for ‘replacement of television broadcast antennas and associated development on the existing mast.’
A number of antennae would be replaced, and the ones at the very top, from 317m to 328m, would be removed.
While any work is carried out, the company needs to ensure broadcasting is maintained, so earlier this year it applied for permission to construct a second, temporary mast at Emley. It would allow for essential work on transmitting equipment housed on the iconic main mast.
The temporary metal structure, supported by dozens of steel cables, will rise to 310m, just a little short of its ‘big brother.’
The company says the mast is needed so vital technical work can be carried out on the broadcasting antennae on the main mast. It could be a feature of the landscape for years and is expected to take many weeks to construct.
Arqiva said the alterations to the main mast are linked to the on-going planning application for the construction of the temporary mast next year, and for this reason it is unable to comment at this time.
The Emley Moor mast is a main transmitter station for TV and radio programmes and serves some 1.7m households.
The antennae at the top are used to broadcast terrestrial television but sweeping changes to the technology used to do so means extensive work is needed on them.
PICTURED: The Emley Moor Mast collapse
Technicians have to carry out work on the antennae but the company must maintain broadcasting while the work, under the 700MHz project, is under way.
The scheme, taking place across the UK, is to free up space for further electronic communications, notably 4G mobile phone services.
The proposed second mast would be located near the existing giant mast so transmitting equipment can be used for both. It also needs to be close as viewers’ aerials point in that direction.
The mast was built to replace a previous one brought down by high winds and ice in March 1969. A lift inside the tower takes seven minutes to reach the top.
