Residents' anger over plans to erect phone mast in Sheffield suburb

The mobile phone network, EE wants to remove a 14.5 metre mast and replace it with a higher monopole with 12 antenna and equipment cabinets in front of Ecclesall Medical Centre at the junction of Woodholm Road and Millhouses Lane.

The plans have so far sparked 12 objections, as well as a petition that has so far been signed by 42 people.

One Woodholm Road resident said of the plans: “This pole would tower above and stand out in a hideous way if located at the road junction.

“It will jar against the backdrop of existing houses, trees and other sympathetic features as it soars so high above the skyline.

“The metal cabinets will be a feature in themselves different to the landscape around them and are likely to cause litter and graffiti.”

Another Woodholm Road resident added: “The plans represent a real eyesore which would dominate the area and dwarf the local residential housing.

“The fact that it does not integrate well is painfully obvious. Siting metal cabinets around the base of the mast, two metres in height, is a further eye sore.

“This cluster of ugly boxes would dramatically change the nature and appearance of the current grass verge and curbside from a welcome green space to an industrial storage area and be a magnet for litter and graffiti.”

EE says the pole will fit in with existing street lamps on the street and would also be screened by a number of mature trees.

Ciara Daly, the agent on behalf of EE, says in a report: “The site has been chosen as this is the most suitable option.

“The underlying aim is to provide advanced, high quality and reliable communications infrastructure for the benefit of consumers whilst minimising visual impact.

“Taking into account technical and planning constraints and available sites, we consider the site and design clearly represents the optimum environmental solution.”

The full planning application can be viewed by clicking here.