Neighbours have slammed “shameful” plans to place a 20m tall 5G tower outside their homes in Bromley.

Cornerstone, a telecommunications company set up by Vodafone and O2, has applied to build the mast opposite the bus garage in Hastings Road.

The 20m pole would be placed on the large area of grass between Gravel Road and Trinity Close – which opponents to the plan have described as “the green lung of the road”.

David Killalea, who has lived in Hastings Road for the last decade, told the News Shopper the 5G mast would be an “absolutely monstrous eyesore” that would drive down house prices in the area.

He said: “It’s a nice green space so we’re going to ask if we can get it preserved as a conservation area.

“If you put this monstrous thing outside our homes it will obviously put people off wanting to buy.

“We are also worried about how the mast affects birds and trees.”

Hastings Road's 'green lung' - where the 5G mast will be placedHastings Road's 'green lung' - where the 5G mast will be placed (Image: Google)

David claimed that a paper petition against the 5G mast circulated among neighbours had so far gathered more than 70 signatures.

As of Friday morning (November 1), Bromley Council’s planning portal shows ten objections compared to one supporting comment.

Opponents are now urging Cornerstone to meet with them in the hope they might reconsider where they plan on placing the 20m pole.

“The shameful thing is it’s being put up in front of residential houses,” David said.

“It’s an absolute eyesore, and we’re all dreading it. Please put it somewhere else, but not in front of our houses.”

Cornerstone has now said that there is “no proven scientific evidence of adverse effects in animals or plants” from 5G masts.

The company added that the design has been kept to the smallest size possible to try and minimise its visual impact. 

A spokesperson said: “We aim to ensure that our mobile infrastructure integrate into the area as much as is possible while enabling quality digital connectivity to the communities we serve.

“As part of our pre application consultation for the proposed structure at Hastings Road Cornerstone’s agents wrote to local residents, councillors and the MP to seek comments on the proposal. 

“The proposed development will provide enhanced 4G and 5G services to the local area.”

Full details can be found on Bromley Council’s planning portal under reference 24/03958/TELCOM.