A NEW 15 metre high 5G mast could be installed next to homes on a Southampton street.

Submitted to the council on December 21, CK Hutchinson Networks (UK) Ltd has applied for planning permission for the new monopole and cabinets on Windermere Avenue, Redbridge.

If given the green light, the equipment would be installed adjacent to number 36 at the end of a row of homes and opposite Newlands Primary School.

The company says this would be to facilitate the areas 5G network and now neighbours are being consulted with on the plans.

Other similar applications around the city have proved controversial with residents objecting against plans for the masts in their neighbourhoods.

Redbridge ward councillor, Cathie McEwing told the Echo that she has objected to the plans and is “totally against” the new mast.

“Apart from being extremely large, there is no tree coverage in the area to hid it. I’ve looked at this from various angles.

“Who benefits from this being sited at this address 36 Windermere Ave. It’s right outside & opposite Newlands Primary School.

“Has this been risk assessed given its near a local school and local Chapel & Community Centre – Holy Family? What Hazards will this bring? Who actually has done the Risk Assessment?”

Meanwhile, fellow Redbridge councillor, Sally Spicer added: “I’m not happy they want to put up yet another one on the estate in a residential area when there is already one half a mile away again in the middle of a residential area.

“We all want 5G but why put this one here so close to homes again and opposite a school. Is this one really needed too?”

But in the application, planners say: “The site selection process has also been influenced by the numerous vertical elements of street furniture distributed around the vicinity of the site including street lighting columns.

“The height of the pole has been kept down to the absolute minimum capable of providing the required essential new 5G coverage.

“This equipment is considered unlikely to have any material impact on the local area but significant connectivity improvements.”

Cllr Amanda Guest told the Echo: “This isn’t just about another mast that they now want to put up, this is about the whole principle of eye soring masts devouring our neighbourhoods with little accountability!

“I believe there is a case to be made where Local Authorities should make way for debate of where these masts should go and consideration for where we live!

“We need to look at the wider picture, its not just about preserving trees, it should be about the built estate. This mast is currently more of a technical decision by the Telecom Co rather than the consideration for those who have to live with this monstrous eye sore. I will be campaigning hard to support residents asking that the mast be re located to a more discreet location.

“I have written to residents on the matter, as I believe we need to go one step further with a personalised approach alerting local residents, and giving them the opportunity to formally object and I will write to the Telecom Co direct.

“Whilst I recognise the need for the masts, a rash of them are going up all over the City.  This throwing up of huge monstrous structures in residential areas right alongside peoples homes and the visual impact this has on our Communities  more efforts need to be made in order to position them in a more discreet and acceptable location”.

The consultation on the application is due to run until January 26 with a decision set to be made by February 15.