RESIDENTS in South Ockendon, supported by local councillors, are mounting a campaign of opposition against plans to install a 5G telecoms mast and additional equipment cabinets on an open space near homes.

It is planned to place the equipment on the junction of Daiglen Drive and Cawdor Avenue.

The site has been selected, say applicants CK Hutchison Networks (UK), because 'existing mast sites are not capable of supporting additional equipment needed to extend 5G coverage reach across the target area and prospective 'in-fill' mast sites are extremely limited'.

CK add: "There is an acute need for a new base station to provide effective service coverage and in this case, the height of the proposed street pole is the minimum required to bring the benefits of 5G to this area."

And in the application the company says the planned location of a new mast 'will assimilate well into the immediate street scene and not be detrimental.'

The application says: "The proposed site option is considered the best available compromise between extending 5G service across the target 'coverage hole' with the selected street works pole height and associated antenna and ground-based cabinets restricted to the minimum height which is capable of providing the required essential coverage."

The company's view the mast will not be detrimental to the area is not supported by local residents, who are planning their campaign of opposition, which includes a petition which will be submitted to the council by ward councillor Georgette Polley. Her fellow ward councillor George Coxshall has also expressed his concerns about the site.

Local resident Steven Miles, whose home on Daiglen Drive is adjacent to the site, is taking a lead role in the campaign.

He says: "We and our neighbours have many objections to this.

"Seven bee hives are in close proximity (four metres) to the proposed location. During swam season they often make the trees on the land their home. The bees' flight path is straight over this land and this will affect the bees. We will, along with the British Bee Keepers Association (BBKA)  take legal action against anyone knowingly destroying honey bees' colonies.

"Location of this mast and equipment is not inconspicuous, and there are plenty of other, more suitable, locations this could be placed.

"This will be an eyesore for local people having to see this on a daily basis right outside our homes.

"I would never have purchased my house if the mast had been there first. I have sought advice from local estate agents and this could knock up to £50,000 off of the value of our home, as nobody chooses to live so close to these things.

"I do not believe we should be financially affected while a company and council gain.

"5G is already available across South Ockendon so the need for another 5G mast is not necessary

Other residents have also expressed their concern and it is expected more comments will be placed on the council's planning portal. If you would like to read more about the application - and register your views, click on this link.