Mast could be built outside castle

The new mast would be 200 metres from Totnes Castle

Plans for a massive mast in front of a historic Devon castle have been revealed.

Network Rail wants to build a 100-feet (33 metre) mast beside Totnes Castle to improve radio communication.

The mast, which is four times the height of an average house, does not need planning permission.

But South Hams District Council says it would completely destroy the view of the town's medieval castle.

Tourist destination

Planner Steve Munday is calling for a rethink of the scheme.

He said: "This mast is planned within about 200 metres [660 feet] of the castle.

"It will affect the outlook from the castle, which is a very popular tourist destination.

"It will also affect views of the castle from various vantage points.

"It will be 33 metres high, and taking into account that the average house is about seven metres high, it will have quite a significant visual impact."