SOUTHAMPTON residents have voiced their worries over plans for a 5G mast which has been branded as a "disgrace" and "an eyesore".

A 18m monopole to facilitate 5G network could be placed on Peartree Green, the nature reserve between Sea Road and Peartree Avenue.

Hutchison 3G UK - better known as Three- tabled the proposals and said there is a need for a new mast in the area to deliver better network.

But local residents are calling for the plans to be withdrawn.

Dozens of people have objected to the proposals which have been submitted to Southampton City Council.

Jill Doubleday, chair of the Friends of Peartree Green group, said: "It is a vital space for the community, the pole will ruin it. It will be horrible. This is a nature reserve and I don't think we should be allowing any kind of building, this is a 18m pole.  It sets a dangerous precedent."

In a letter of objection sent to the council resident Lucy Davies said: "This is a disgrace. This is home to wildlife . Also there is the history of the area and it would be an eyesore and completely out of touch with the timeless beauty of Peartree church opposite."

It is understood that the mast would be placed in the proximity of the junction of Sea Road, Osterley Road and Peartree Avenue.

Ecologist Phil Budd, who is from Bitterne and looks after the area, said the nature reserve is home to rare plants and habitats that cannot be found in the rest of the city.

"You don't put masts on nature reserves. This is not the right place,"he added.

Residents said the plans are contrary to the city council's Green City Charter.

It is understood that the mast is expected to be placed not too far from a tree in commemoration of a tree reportedly planted by Queen Elizabeth I.

Eamonn Keogh, councillor for Peartree ward, said: "That is a lovely piece of Southampton heritage that will be destroyed because of a 5G mast. I am not against 5G in principal but this is the wrong location.We think there are plenty of other location that could be identified like Oakbank carpark."

Cllr Keogh said a public consultation on the proposals will close on December 7.

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.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. We are always mindful of local residents and of wildlife, which is why we have suggested a location that takes residents into account and is on the edge of Peartree Green."