Hucknall residents unhappy with 'eyesore' 5G mast near Titchfield Park

There is controversy over a new 5G communications mast which was put up in Hucknall last week.

The communications monopole which stands at 15 metres tall (49.2 ft) stands on the corner of Broomhill Road, next to its junction with Park Drive, opposite the side entrance to Titchfield Park.

It has not been well received by local residents with one passer-by, who wished to remain anonymous, describing it as 'a monstrosity.'

Speaking exclusively to Hucknall Nub News, Kirsty Louise said: "It's a complete eyesore and really puts a dampener on my daily walks to Titchfield Park with my dog."

Other residents have been surprised and disappointed by the lack of communication in the lead up to the mast being erected. This meant they had no idea it was going to be sited on Broomhill Road or even what it is for.

Ali Keeling who lives on Broomhill Road and can see the mast from her window was shocked when she returned to her house last Tuesday evening after visiting family, to see the huge structure so close to her property.

Speaking exclusively to Hucknall News, she spoke of her initial disbelief at the situation. Asked what her immediate reaction was, she said: "What the flipping heck is that? It's an eyesore, I don't even know what it's for. I didn't even realise they could just put them up like that out of nowhere without consultation. We didn't know anything about it whatsoever.

"It's just straight out of our front window. You come out the front door and you look up and that's it, that's all you can see, three big white boxes and this huge, enormous eyesore.

"I'm worried. These things don't usually worry me but when it's all of a sudden plonked outside your front door but not knowing what it is, what it's for. Is it giving off any waves?"

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd who owns telecommunications and internet service provider Three, is responsible for the mast, and did submit a planning application to Ashfield District Council.

In their application, the company said: "This specific proposal forms part of an integral requirement for CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd to expand its 5G telecommunications network across Ashfield specifically in this instance to enhance 5G coverage levels and network capacity within the Hucknall area.

"Mobile phone base stations operate on a low power and accordingly base stations therefore need to be located in the areas they are required to serve. Increasingly, people are also using their mobiles in their homes, and this means we need to position base stations in, or close to, residential areas.

"A further limiting factor is that the position has to be one that fits in with the existing network. Sites have to form a patchwork of coverage cells with each cell overlapping to a limited degree with the surrounding base stations to provide continuous network cover as users move from one cell to the other. However, if this overlap is too great unacceptable interference is created between the two cells."

It is unclear how many residents received direct notification through the post of these plans but everyone asked by Hucknall Nub News said they were completely unaware of the proposals.

Two residents did submit formal objections, listing the close proximity to residential properties and Titchfield Park as two key reasons, as well as its aesthetics and worrying that it could become a target for vandals.

However, the Council ultimately accepted the proposals. They concluded: "The proposed mast will extend above the tree line but it is considered that the trees will still offer a softer backdrop.

"Due to the above and the siting and size of the proposal it is considered that although it will be a prominent feature in the street scene the impact upon visual amenity would not be great enough as to refuse.

"The requirement for a mobile phone network is essential and masts are