Anger at plans for 18m high Three 5G mast in Stanway

WHP Telecoms Limited has notified Colchester Council's planning department it wants to install the new mast on behalf of provider Three.

The mast would be put in off Tollgate Road, near the Lakelands estate, in order to provide 5G coverage for the area.

A report submitted to the council states: "To provide this new technology to the people H3G will need to provide a mix of upgrades to existing sites and the building of new sites.

"New sites will be needed for many reasons, including the high frequencies used for 5G do not travel as far as those frequencies currently in use and that sometimes not all existing sites can be upgraded.

"In this area there is an acute need for a new mast to deliver the above."

It adds: "Taking into account the factors of technical constraints, available sites and planning constraints we consider this site and design clearly represents the optimum environmental solution."

Where the mast will be sited. Picture: From the planning application

Residents have taken to the planning portal to hit out at the proposals.

One said: "I strongly object to this monster mast with its large metal cabinets.

"This eyesore will be directly in front of my lounge window.

"Therefore this application would infringe upon my quality of life."

They added: "This proposal should be denied and put at the other end of Tollgate Road near the retail park."

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Another said: "I strongly object to this being built.

"As one of many residents who will be overlooking this, it would be a complete eyesore and directly impact the value of our property.

"In addition, the close proximity to a telephone mast may cause safety issues for our young child.

"If this is built and impacts on us in any way we will be taking this further legally."

A Three spokesperson said: "5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Stanway. We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and believe a new site will be critical to making that happen.

A plan of the mast. Picture: From the planning application

Another application has also been submitted to install a similar mast off St Andrew's Avenue in Colchester.

To view the Stanway plans search 210966 on Colchester Council's planning portal.