District planners have thrown out an application for a 5G mast next to Kenilworth Cemetery following over a hundred objections from local residents.

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Limited had 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.

But planners said the communications pole would have caused "unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the cemetery".

"The benefits of modern, advanced, high quality and reliable telecommunication infrastructure are understood and acknowledged," a council report said.

"The economic and social benefits of the proposal have been considered, and the supporting documentation provided that demonstrate the merits of an effective communication network.

"However, the public benefits of this proposal do not outweigh the identified harm."

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

WDC also said CK Hutchinson had not provided enough evidence that there were no other suitable sites in the town for the mast.

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

Kenilworth Town Council also objected to the plans, criticising the "inappropriate location".

Meanwhile the many residents who objected raised 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."