A PROPOSAL to build a 5G phone mast in Hatch Warren has been rejected after it received 50 comments from residents. 

The 20-metre phone mast along with three ancillary equipment cabinets was proposed by telecommunications company CK Hutchinson Networks Ltd and was to be located on a footpath off Woodbury Road.

However, a borough council planning officer rejected the application citing two main reasons – visual impact because of its proximity to residents and obstruction to the footpath.

READ MORE: Councillor speaks out against proposed 5G mast and urges company to move it across M3

The decision note read: “The proposed development by virtue of the scale, height and positioning in close proximity to residential dwellings, the highway, pedestrian crossings and on a footpath at this point within the street scene would form an unsympathetic form of development that would not positively contribute to the character and appearance of the area and would be to the detriment of visual amenity.

“The proposed development would cause obstruction to the footpath by virtue of the placement of the cabinets and pole on the footpath to the detriment of the public and its users."

Ward councillor Dan Putty, who objected to the proposal, shared his delight after the application was rejected.

He said: “I am extremely happy. I would like to appreciate the support of the residents. They have been instrumental in really fighting out that eyesore.”

The council previously rejected a plan from the same company to build a 20-metre-tall 5G telecommunications mast in Kempshott after receiving more than 20 objections from residents.

SEE ALSO: Basingstoke and Deane council reject 5G telephone mast plan at Kempshott junction

Mast locations are governed by the operator's cell search areas.