Three plan for 20m 5G mast in Southampton

Plans have been submitted to Southampton City Council to erect a 20m tall monopole to facilitate 5G network just outside the Shell garage on Winchester Road in Southampton.

But the plans have been met with frustration from residents who are calling on the council to relocate the mast.

Mark Tutte, below, is a resident of Burgess Road, has launched a campaign to get the mast moved to a different location away from residential areas where it will be less visible.

The 62-year-old decided to write to his neighbours to point out the "sheer size" of the proposed mast.

He also urged them to place objections with Southampton City Council planning department.

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Residents got together to see how tall the mast would be by tying helium balloons on to a length of string.

The group of balloons, pictured above, show where the top of the mast would be, and the single balloon at 15 metres where the additional dishes would come.

Mr Tutte added: "The reaction from neighbours was that many were horrified at the plans and a good number were grateful to me for bringing it to their notice.

 "The objections were duly placed and so far a total of 50 emails and letters of objection were sent to the council, and in fact no one has voiced or lodged their support for the application.

"The objections included the following comments, overshadowing properties, reducing property values and making it difficult to sell, an eyesore and a blot on the landscape."

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He added: "This mast will be twice the height of the surrounding houses.

"There is also concern for the wildlife such as bats and birds as we are very close to Southampton common.

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 "It's not a case of putting it in someone else's back yard, but finding a suitable alternative site which would not be such a prominent blot on the landscape, and as far away from residential buildings as possible."

Shirley ward councillor Satvir Kaur, above, said: "It is important that local communities continue to play a key role in any planning decisions that impact their area.

"As a ward councillor, I am keen resident voices are heard and as such, have raised resident concerns that have been shared with me.

"I do feel that if this mast can be moved to a less residential area than this should be seriously considered.”

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 A Three spokesperson said: “Access to 5G has a vital role to play in boosting local economies, helping residents and businesses get faster and more reliable network coverage.

"This is why we’re working with the local council in Southampton to roll out the UK’s fastest 5G network so that we can keep everyone connected both now and in the future.

“While we try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they do need to be situated near to where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage”