Plans to replace the telecommunications equipment on an old three-storey building in Paisley have been submitted to Renfrewshire Council.
A series of proposals have been put forward, which could see the existing base station site on top of a property in Greenhill Road upgraded to provide better 3G and 4G in the area, as well as new 5G network coverage.
Pegasus Group has entered an application for planning permission and listed building consent on behalf of behalf of Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL), the infrastructure provider for EE and H3G UK.
A planning statement said the changes would introduce "new technology" and provide "numerous public benefits associated with fast, reliable digital communications infrastructure."
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The 16-page document also said the plans would "improve the ability of local businesses, home workers and industry to operate and compete effectively through access to modern communications thereby helping to maintain and increase local employment opportunities and sustain economic development."
It added they would provide coverage to the residential areas located in the vicinity of the site, as well as to the industrial facilities to the east and to St Mirren Football Club on matchdays when network capacity demand is increased by supporters.
The site is a Category B-listed building and a planning statement said was "showing signs of disrepair". It is not said to be found within a designated conservation area.
An email from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to Pegasus earlier this year showed the body was not likely to have "strong concerns" about the impact of the proposal on the listed building.
However, HES did recommend any new or replacement infrastructure be "located as discreetly as possible".
The planning statement's conclusion drew that the public interest of the upgrade was "clear" due to "the considerable public benefits" that would result from the works.
The application is currently awaiting decision.
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An earlier version of this article stated the building was vacant. We are happy to clarify this is not the case. The building has been in operation since 1983 and is now one of the last remaining gravity and high-pressure foundryies left in Scotland.
