PLANS to install a new phone mast have been met with fierce opposition from neighbours.

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd, the conglomerate that owns Three Mobile, has submitted plans to Swindon Borough Council to install a 15-metre tall mast in Idover Street, Toothill. 

But neighbours in that street, as well as nearby Icomb Close and Queensborough, do not want it, and with the support of ward councillor Sean Wilson, they are campaigning for Swindon Borough Council to deny approval. 

This follows a previous failed attempt from CK Hutchinson to get a mast approved in the nearby Harlech Street last year which was denied by the council after pushback from locals, councillors and MPs.

"Once again mobile phone operator CK Hutchison is trying to get a 5G mobile phone mast erected in a totally unsuitable place," said Coun Wilson. 

"Last year they failed in nearby Harlech Close, which was rejected after local residents and the Swindon Borough Council's Highways Department objected.

"The mast is not in keeping with the area with local houses being occupied by many disabled & elderly residents.

"The proposer has failed to provide sufficient evidence why it is not possible to upgrade an existing location"

He added: "The mast would be situated near Hazelwood (Toothill) Primary School, much less than the 300 metres the government says is advisable"

A petition has been set up on Change.org, which has already received 180 signatures, with many residents echoing the thoughts of Mr Wilson by saying that a phone mast was not appropriate to the area.

Three says it has done what it can to minimise the visual impact of the proposed mast and keep the number of cabinets to a minimum and has considered the reasons why the council rejected the initial proposal. 

It adds that there were four locations considered, and it felt this was the best one as it is directly in front of fewer houses, being at a junction and side-on to the adjacent house.

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

"Masts need to be situated where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage. We carry out extensive searches and evaluate a wide range of options before submitting any planning applications.”