A MOBILE phone firm angered residents by launching an appeal after its proposal to build a mast in Great Sutton was rejected by councillors.
T-Mobile wants to install the 12m-high telecommunications mast, including shroud and three associated equipment cabinets, on land at the junction of Ascot Drive and Chester Road.
Residents organised a petition when the application was first submitted in March last year arguing that the mast would be visually intrusive and the hedgerow should be preserved.
The borough’s planning committee agreed and the scheme was thrown out two months later.
However, T-Mobile has decided to launch an appeal on the grounds the mast would not be “unduly dominant and result in a visually intrusive and unwelcome feature on the neighbouring properties, street scene and character of the surrounding area.”
The company also argues the impact upon the local environment would be minimal and acceptable and the mast would benefit the area as a whole.
Terence Malone is one of many residents who disagrees and hopes the appeal proves to be unsuccessful.
He said: “There are plenty of other places in the area where they could install a mast. Why do they have to put it right outside somebody’s front door?
“The hedgerow acts as a sound barrier from the A41 and it’s important that we preserve it and the wildlife habitat.”
Another resident added: “It appears the timing of the appeal corresponds to most people being busy with Christmas and the New Year.”
The Planning Inspectorate based in Bristol will make a decision once an inspector has visited the site and they have considered written statements submitted by the council, residents and T-Mobile.
