Sheffield mobile phone mast plans prompts complaints

Vodafone wants to place the 17.5-metre monopole at Middlewood Rovers Junior FC, on Waverley Lane, Handsworth.

However, there have been six objections about it impacting on people's health, house prices and quality of life.

One Shirley Bank resident said: “I live with my young family and I'm concerned about the health implications.

“It will be an eyesore and affect the long-term value of my property."

Another Shining Bank resident said: “A previous application was refused on the grounds that the site is in a designated Open Space Area and the proximity to the green belt.

“The field is in regular use for leisure activities by members of the community of all ages.

“My property looks out directly across the field and a 17.5m antenna would be by far the highest object in view.

“This will have a detrimental effect on the saleability and value of the local properties overlooking the installation.”

And a resident on nearby Larch Hill said: “I have three young children and our garden will be facing the proposed mast.

“This will be a massive eyesore, taller than anything else around it. Only a handful of residents have been notified but it will be able to be seen by miles.

“Surely a phone mast cannot be built this close to a residential area? I understand the demand for better phone coverage is increasing. However, these masts need to be away from residential areas.”

Vodafone said it tries to put apparatus on existing buildings and structures, including masts wherever possible.

It said: “In spite of these efforts, there are likely to be instances where there is a need to install additional base stations to provide service.

“It is very important to note that mobiles can only work with a network of base stations in places where people want to use their phones. Without base stations, the mobile phones we rely on simply won’t work.”

Sheffield Council planning officers are considering the application.