SOUTHAMPTON residents have vented their anger after a towering 20m mast was installed outside their homes.
Dominating the residential skyline, the 5G communications pylon has been slammed as “hideous”and an “eyesore” by Millbrook locals after it was erected this week.
Set just off Kendal Avenue opposite All Saints’ Church, many people have complained they were not told the structure would be put up, despite Southampton City Council arguing otherwise.
One man who lives just next to the new mast, and asked not to be named, said: “I feel angry. It’s an eyesore. There was no general consultation. It’s surely going to bring down property prices. I did not see any notices go up. I would like for it to be placed away from homes.”
Another local, Peter Wyatt, said: “They were quiet about it. I asked them [the workmen] what was going down. and they said they were putting the mast up. We never got told.”
The 63-year-old added: “ It was done quietly, and sneakily. I would have liked [the council] to ask us first. To talk to us.”
But, the council says it did inform neighbours, stating that “in all planning application instances we write to the closest neighbours and will erect notices in the locality giving 21 days to comment.”
However, a spokesperson added: “We are only able to consider feedback on the siting and appearance of masts.”
The council also said that full planning permission is not required for a mast of this size.
Permission for the structure, owned by Hutchison 3G UK – the parent company of mobile network Three, was granted on July 31 this year.
Councillor Steve Leggett, Cabinet Member for Green City and Place, said: “Expanding our 5G network across Southampton is really positive for business and socio-economic growth and we will work closely with mobile operators, local businesses and communities to welcome these developments.”
This newest installation comes just a week after residents voiced worries over plans for another 5G mast in Woolston.
Branded as a “disgrace” and “an eyesore”, the 18m 5G mast could be placed on Peartree Green nature reserve, between Sea Road and Peartree Avenue.
This application has also been submitted by Hutchison 3G UK.
So far, dozens of people have objected to the proposals which have been submitted to Southampton City Council.
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