Nearly 40 objections have been received to plans for an "ugly and obtrusive" 5G mast on the edge of Kenilworth.

Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Ltd has applied for planning permission for the 20-metre high monopole on a verge along Leamington Road.

The site is close to where Charles Church is building its new Kenilworth Gate estate, and where a major new 'employment area' will be built.

Cornerstone was refused permission for its previous application - also on Leamington Road - with planners criticising that alternative sites had not been fully considered.

And local residents have continued to protest the application, with 37 objections having now been submitted to Warwick District Council.

Paul Chatland wrote: "If this structure does need to be built then it should be sited away from residential properties on the East side of the A46 highway possibly on the B4115 leading to Baginton which would give access to a layby and easy maintenance to mast and cabinets."

Frances Bunney added: "This mast is in a very prominent position at a busy road junction and rising above the nearby trees of Bullimore Wood. 

"It will be ugly and intrusive and in addition to the houses on Leamington Road being particularly affected, there are also many new houses being built at the entrance to Kenilworth."

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And Simon French said: "The new proposal has moved the site of the mast further along the road towards the existing established and new housing. 

"Any proposal should surely be a new site on the roundabout set away from housing or an upgrade to the existing 4G mast there."

The communication company currently has a mast at Kenilworth Wardens sports club on Glasshouse Lane, but a notice to quit has been served.

Cornerstone said it is vital a new site is found to ensure "continued reliable mobile digital connectivity" is provided to the area.

"As such, Cornerstone needs to find a replacement site to ensure existing connectivity is not lost to the surrounding residents and transport routes in this area of Kenilworth," the application explained.

"Cornerstone is limited in siting options as there is a requirement to provide equivalent replacement coverage and capacity for this area of Kenilworth. 

"The replacement of an existing site means that the operator has to be located as close as possible to the existing installation in order to fit in with the surrounding network and to maintain the provision of equivalent coverage and capacity and provide new services to the surrounding local area."

Meanwhile Icon Tower Infrastructure Limited has recently received prior approval to replace an existing mast further down Leamington Road.

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See the full application here.