A HUGE pole that will be seen across Southampton is set to be built close to a residential area and "could be an eyesore", residents say.

The giant 100ft post will be installed to improve connectivity across the University of Southampton's Highfield Campus.

It's to be placed in the campus' busy Broadlands Road car park - yards away from homes along the street.

As part of the plans, the telecommunications mast will support nine antennas and two microwave dishes as well as 11 small equipment cabinets.

It comes as part of proposals to remove masts from the top of the university's Faraday Building and The Maths Building due to redevelopment works.

However, if removed completely local businesses and people using the internet will be hit as a result.

The application was submitted by developers the Wireless Infrastructure Group on behalf of CTIL, Vodafone and Telefonica O2, MBNL, EE Ltd and 3 UK.

The application said: "It will be within a fenced and secure compound, with the operators associated equipment being housed in a range of small equipment cabinets in the compound.

"It is vital to maintain the existing telecommunications network coverage and capacity in this location, hence the requirement for this proposal.

"The specific site has the advantage of ensuring that not only does it ensure a site that is accessible for the operators, and one that is able to provide continued good coverage to the target area, but also vitally does not restrict or hamper the University in relation to their operational needs, continued use and future plans within the Highfield campus."

Southampton's biggest building is Moresby Tower, in Ocean Village which stands at 80m. The pole would be 17.5m shorter than the Civic Centre clock - or the same size as three buses placed alongside one another.

Despite accepting the proposals, Southampton City Council did say that some space within the car park could be lost.

Residents also offered a mixed response to the impending installation.

One resident of Mayfield Road, who did not wish to be named, said: "It sounds like it could be an eyesore. I'm sure it's important but it doesn't sound very nice to look at."

Salima Esmail, 33, who lives on Broadlands Road, said: "It doesn't bother me too much because at the moment when I look out of my house on to the car park there's not much of a view. So I don't think it'll affect the look of the place too much."

Juan Suvi, 31, added: "This is something for the future and it's important we get better connectivity around here so I think it's a good idea."