PLANS for a near 50 ft telecommunications mast outside Ardrossan Academy have been given the go ahead.

It comes after North Ayrshire Council gave the green light to a prior notification notice for the mast, which was proposed on behalf of Three UK.

The pole, which will stand at around 49 feet (15m) tall will be erected on the pavement just outside the school's gates on the Parkhead Road side, in line with its PE block.

The prior notification form, which means that the development should generally be acceptable in principle in planning terms and no planning permission is required - was first submitted at the end of last month.

However, before work could commence, North Ayrshire Council - as planning authority - could have imposed requirements for prior approval with regard to the siting and/or appearance of a specific proposal.

Essentially, though the development should be permitted, objections can still be made as to where this is to be sited, and how this will influence the appearance of this area.

However, earlier this week, North Ayrshire Council informed the applicants approval is not required and that the development of the mast can go ahead.