A planning application has been lodged to replace the ageing telecommunications mast on the summit of Snaefell.
National Air Traffic Services (NATS) wants to remove the existing 50-metre hybrid tower, which has a timber upper section and galvanised steel base and install a replacement.
The current mast has deteriorated due to the weather at the exposed site, which sits at 668 metres above sea level.
The application, submitted by Avison Young on behalf of NATS, says: “The environment has taken its toll on the timber section of the mast in particular and the whole mast needs to be replaced.”
The new tower will host 19 NATS antennas, five Coast Guard antennas, three Manx Telecom antennas and one BAE transmission dish. A 2.4-metre-high palisade fence is also proposed.
The replacement will be built to the south of the existing building to maintain continuous air traffic coverage during construction. The old mast will be removed once the new structure is operational.
Access for construction will primarily use the existing mountain railway, with a temporary trackway and helicopters.