Local residents have objected to “disrespectful” plans to build an “ugly” 5G mast right next to Kenilworth Cemetery. 

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Limited has submitted an application to Warwick District Council (WDC) for the 15-metre high mast on Oaks Road, saying there is an "acute" need for the station to "provide effective service coverage" in the area.

Kenilworth Town Council (KTC) has already objected to the plans, criticising the "inappropriate location".

And now over 100 residents have voiced their concerns on the plans, in particular raising concerns about the proximity to both St John's Primary School and Clinton Primary School, as well as residential properties.

"I live adjacent to Kenilworth cemetery; I object strongly to the above application because the site is unsuitable," one objection said.

"The cemetery is a beautiful, peaceful, much loved, used and enjoyed by residents of all ages for health and exercise as well as laying loved ones to rest.

"There are already cabinets for cable on this verge.

"There is a large electricity substation close by, plus two primary school plus two assisted residential properties known to me.

"This area is very well catered for in internet and mobile phone coverage.

"A new mast would be better placed closer to one of the three very large new housing estates recently built on the outskirts of town."

Designs for the proposed 5G mast (image via planning application)

Another objection added: “Ignoring the ugly aesthetics and the possible noise for local residents and people wishing to pay respects to their deceased loved ones in peace, this is in very close proximity to two primary schools."

While another simply said: “I feel the suggested location is disrespectful, it's a peaceful place where we go and visit our loved ones."

CK Hutchinson was refused planning permission for a similar scheme near the town centre last year, with WDC saying the location was inappropriate.

However, the fresh application for Oaks Road argued "high-speed mobile connectivity is the lifeblood of a community" and the mast would provide "access to vital services" as well as "facilitating the increased need and demand for working from home".

Meanwhile town councillors were also left unconvinced, and objected to the scheme last month.

"I think there are some issues here, particularly proximity to the cemetery," said Cllr Andrew Milton at the KTC planning meeting.

"I did check through the neighbourhood plan, and I couldn't see that it had any special status.

"However, it is clearly a valuable and sensitive green space in the town. So we could say siting it near the cemetery is inappropriate."

Councillors also questioned whether any other parts of town had been properly considered.

See the latest planning application here.