Dozens of residents have come together to fight plans for a 16 metre high mobile phone mast in West Kirby.
Mobile network Three has asked Wirral Council to determine whether prior approval is needed for the structure on Sandy Lane, which would have six antennas at the top and three cabinets at ground level.
The company says it wants to address a gap in coverage “to ensure that the latest high quality 3G and 4G service provision is provided in this area of the town. The proposed column will also ensure that new 5G coverage can be provided at this location. This ensures that coverage and capacity requirements are maintained and enhanced.”
It adds: “The design of the proposed equipment is considered to be the least visually intrusive option available. Although it is accepted that there will be an intensification in the amount of equipment an additional monopole and associated cabinets in the area it is felt that such a minor increase would not detract from the character in which the proposal sits.”
Three say the mast can’t be any lower because it needs to clear local buildings and trees to be able to operate effectively.
However, people living in the area have launched a campaign to stop the mast being erected, and have spent the weekend on Sandy Lane giving out letters of objection to passers by.
They argue it is too close to houses, would be a “blot on what is a beautiful landscape” and will narrow the pavement. They also have concerns about the impact on nature, and noise pollution from the cabinets.
Organiser Sally Mayhew told West Kirby Today: “It is completely out of keeping with the area which offers a world heritage view over the Marine Lake and Welsh hills.
“The site proposed has heavy footfall as part of the Wirral coastal path and this installation will narrow that pathway significantly making it difficult for families with prams and wheelchair users to pass safely.
“At busy times like the annual Wirral Walk this could force people onto the road which is on a dangerous bend. The sight lines when turning out of Riverside will be directly affected by the size of this installation also causing potential traffic accidents.”
She added: “We have excellent mobile coverage and internet access in this area so have no need for this mast.”
Three says it has looked at other sites in the area but they are not as suitable due to limited space.
Comments can be made on the planning application until 3 March at https://online.wirral.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=227360
