RESIDENTS have objected to a plan to site a 50-foot 5G mobile phone mast in the old quarter of Wordsley.

An application has been submitted to Dudley Council planners by CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd to install the mast and associated telecommunications equipment on a patch of grass in Queen Street to improve mobile phone coverage and connectivity for Three UK customers.

The proposal, however, has sparked objections from a number of residents in the street who are worried about the proximity of the giant mast to their homes and the impact it will have on the skyline in the old Victorian neighbourhood of Wordsley.

Resident Peter Cartwright said: “It’s going to be fairly horrific. The mast will tower over houses in Queen Street and surrounding streets and be viewable directly outside residents’ windows.”

People have also raised concerns that the large structure and cabinets could obscure vision for traffic at the junction which is already congested with parking – potentially creating a hazardous situation for motorists and pedestrians.

A document submitted to council planners by the telecommunications company states: “There is a requirement to provide improved network coverage and capacity in this location which cannot be met by existing masts and antennas. The proposed development is required to provide new infill coverage for the H3G network known as ‘3’.

"The site is primarily required to provide new 5G coverage and capacity to the area surrounding the site. It would also improve 4G coverage and capacity.”

The company says it acknowledges the proposed mast would be taller than existing street furniture but says this is because the 5G signal needs clear space, free of obstructions, to deliver a signal.

It says the chosen site has been deemed the most appropriate and adds: “The site is located close to a number of mature trees, which would provide a high degree of screening to the proposed development.”

Anyone wishing to comment on the plan is urged to contact Dudley Council’s planning department before Thursday June 23. The planning application number is P22/0761/PN16A.