Hextable residents angry at Vodafone's plans to upgrade phone mast in St David's Road

Earlier this month the network provider submitted a planning application to Sevenoaks District Council for the installation of a "dual user monopole radio base station" with six antennae and a satellite dish. 

News of the application has angered residents who argue that the upgrade will worsen the existing problems.

St David's Road residents

Speaking on behalf of the residents, Jennifer Knight, who has lived in the road for 32 years, told News Shopper: "We're trying to get together and do the best we can to stop this."

She said the mast, which stands well above the surrounding trees, is a visual eyesore for residents.

The residents also claim it emits a humming noise due to the cooling system inside, which they fear will only be made worse by the upgrade.

They believe moving the mast further down Puddleduck Lane is the best solution, as they claim the position of the mast, which is opposite a primary school, creates traffic, parking and safety issues for the maintenance vehicles.

"We are also worried about the trees that are there. If they start cutting them down it is just going to look so unsightly," said Mrs Knight.

"If it was moved it would be a solution to all these problems.

"With these big companies you feel as if you lose control. Obviously they have got all the money and the power to back them, we're just residents in a road."

The mast pictured on Google Earth.

In response to the residents' concerns a spokeswoman for Vodafone said the upgrade will bring improved services to local people.

"There is no significant change to the design and will in fact mean a small reduction in the overall height," she said.  

"Radio communications masts do not emit sound and, as this is an alteration to an existing structure, there will be no increase in the number of maintenance visits."

In letters to the planning officers several residents also raised concerns about the original planning permission for the mast, after it was built on a temporary basis 15 years ago.

In her response to the plans, Hextable Primary School headteacher Suzie Hall wrote: "The plant site is adjacent to the same road junction as the school entrance.

"With any increase in service vehicles visiting the site my concern would be the impact to the already strained road structure and its pedestrian traffic."