Three's plans for a 5G mast in Poole criticised by residents

Telecommunications provider Three submitted plans earlier this month to install the mast in a small green area in Newfoundland Drive, near the roundabout outside Baiter Park. 

Natalie Burton, who lives in the house directly opposite the site proposal, said she objects to the plans fearing the mast will ruin the area and devalue her house. 

The mast would be built on the grass to the left of the tree

She said: “I cannot think of a less suitable or indiscrete choice of location for such a structure.  

“It will be entirely incongruous to the area and mar a major thoroughfare linking two of Poole’s most outstandingly beautiful natural green spaces.

“Locals and the many tourists upon whom Poole’s economy depends on will end up walking in the shadow of a 20 metre monstrosity as they make their way to Poole Harbour – a globally appreciated site of natural interest and beauty.” 

The mast would be eight metres higher than the house in front.

She added she "doesn’t want the Eiffel Tower outside our house ruining the landscape,” adding: “We are very lucky to live here.” 

At 20metres high, the mast will dwarf the eight metre lampposts and the 12m houses. 

Neighbour Richard Booker added: “I was amazed to hear that they even thought of putting it where they’ve proposed. 

“If they want to erect the mast, they should do it 50 metres past the skateboard and place it between the footpath and the railway line.” 

Plans have been submitted by Three. Image by Hutchison 3G UK

Cllr Andy Hadley, ward councillor for Poole, described the location choice as “insensitive”, adding: “The mast is double the height of the trees there and sited very close to the houses.  

“I and my Poole People Ward Councillor colleagues are objecting to it.  

“There is space to locate this at the other side of the roundabout, which would be far less of a problem to anyone.” 

John Challinor, chairman of the Parkstone Bay Association, said: “The mast has not been consulted on.

"Parkstone Bay Association are not happy about it. We will be submitting our objection.”

Natalie has put up a poster on her fence to encourage people to file their objections  

A Three spokesperson said: “We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and this site will be critical to making that happen.  

“While we try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they need to be situated where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage. 

“We carry out extensive searches and surveys to evaluate all the options.  

“We then choose the option most likely to gain planning approval from the local council.  

“This includes showing we have minimised the impact on residents and the locality.”