A group of residents are celebrating after an unpopular plan for a 5G mast was turned down by the council.

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd, the conglomerate that owns Three Mobile, had submitted plans earlier this year to install a 15-metre tall mast in Idover Street, Toothill. 

Neighbours in that street as well as the nearby areas of Icomb Close and Queensborough campaigned against it with the support of ward councillor Sean Wilson.

Swindon Advertiser: Residents in the area opposed the installation of a new phone mast.Residents in the area opposed the installation of a new phone mast. (Image: Sean Wilson)

The planning application has now been rejected by Swindon Borough Council following a decision on Thursday.

Appearance and height were given as the reason for the refusal in the official council report issued this week.

“Due to siting and appearance on a prominent corner plot, the proposed 15m high monopole would stand out as an incongruous and dominant feature within the surrounding streetscape and would harmfully detract from the character and appearance of the area,” it read.

The decision represents a success for Cllr Sean Wilson who has been protesting alongside local residents since the plans were first submitted.

Swindon Advertiser: Livio and Genni Pavone opposed the mast and created a large banner to convey the message.Livio and Genni Pavone opposed the mast and created a large banner to convey the message. (Image: Sean Wilson)

“I am very pleased for the local residents who campaigned against the mast as the planning department agreed that the proposed mast would not be in keeping with the area,” he said.

“Particular credit should go to Genni and Livio who worked closely with their neighbours to ensure they knew about the mast proposal and how to comment or object.

“This is a victory for commonsense and proper enforcement of planning rules.”

A petition signed by over 200 people was tabled with particular criticism coming from couple Genni and Livio Pavone.

The pair painted a banner which protested the decision, reading "No mast here, object now", while sitting at the proposed site of the mast collecting signatures. 

Swindon Advertiser: Cllr Sean Wilson has always opposed the idea of the mast being implemented in the area.Cllr Sean Wilson has always opposed the idea of the mast being implemented in the area. (Image: Sean Wilson)

"Idovers Drive isn’t the right location for a mast. It’s a densely populated area," said Genni.

"It is only five metres from bungalows, only 15 metres from semidetached houses and only 130 metres from Hazelwood Primary School and Nursery.

"This is also a subsidence risk area which makes the installation of a 15m high mast a safety hazard for residents and their property including cars and buses."

Cllr Leon Grother, Chair of West Swindon Parish Council Planning, Leisure & Environment Committee, added: “This is a 15m high mast that is not at all in keeping with the street furniture in the proposed location.

“Another location should be found that will have less of a direct visual impact to residential areas.”