RESIDENTS are opposing plans to erect a mobile phone mast in Cubert following concerns the structure would ruin the village.

Villagers have objected to EE’s planning application to erect a 17 metre high communications mast behind Cubert Village Hall sating the structure would detrimentally impact the unspoilt scenery in the village. They also argue the mast would be too close to people’s homes around 150 metres away at Highfields as well as Cubert Primary School and would negatively impact their health and property prices.

Matthew Connelly said: “I object to the application on the grounds of visual harm, landscape impact, heritage intrusion, and potential impact on local wildlife, particularly coastal and migratory bird species known to inhabit and travel through the area.

“Our village sits on one of the highest local points, and the historic church is a visible landmark for miles. The mast's height, industrial appearance and skyline position will introduce an intrusive vertical structure entirely at odds with the established rural, historic and open landscape character.

“The church and surrounding landscape form an identifiable historic viewpoint and part of the local cultural identity. The mast will visually compete with, rather than sit below or behind, key heritage features, undermining long-distance views and the village's distinct visual profile.”

Hannah Shenton added: “I object to the proposed construction of this 5G tower.

“Cubert is a beautiful village with largely unspoilt scenery, and this tower threatens to spoil this and create an unsightly obstruction to the views.

“As a resident, I am concerned about the health impacts this could pose as well as the negative impact it would likely have on my property value.”

Andrew Stiles said: “I, like many others, have concerns regarding the health implications of the 5G mast, along with the environmental impacts.

“I see little benefit to the construction of such a mast to provide slightly faster internet connection, when Cubert already has good phone signal and good home WiFi connections. The negatives to health and the natural area no doubt outweigh the small benefits such a construction would have.”

Telent Technology Services Ltd says the mast is needed to improve the “limited” coverage in the village.

Talent Technology in the planning statement said: “The purpose of this site is to provide EE Ltd customers improved 3G, 4G and later introducing 5G coverage as well as capacity to Cubert & surrounding areas, as well as introducing the same coverage and capacity to the surrounding businesses, and residents who currently see limited coverage. The current coverage and capacity in the area does not take into consideration the topography, as numerous residents have complained about a distinct lack of coverage within the village.

“Additionally, it should be noted that for a mobile data network to function efficiently, customers do not only require infrastructure be in place that covers the required area for their mobile data to function, but they also require a sufficient number of antennas throughout the area that can withstand the demand of customers looking to utilise the network.”