OPPOSITION is mounting against plans to put a telecommunications mast feet from traffic on a grass verge near Iford.

Retired Sycamore Close resident Ron Hawkins, 70, has been collecting signatures for a petition from people at the western end of Barrack Road.

"We're approaching 150 now and I've only been doing it a couple of days," he said.

Hutchinson 3G UK Ltd has applied to Christchurch Borough Council for permission to put up the 11.5 metre tall ultra-slimline monopole on the verge beside Bernards Mead Recreation Ground.

The council can only refuse planning permission on the grounds of siting and appearance, or if alternative sites have not been explored.

Mr Hawkins said people were concerned about health fears and the close proximity of the proposed mast to houses, flats and the recreation ground. He also says the mast would be an "industrial eyesore infringing on a tranquil green space meadow" and a poor introduction to the historic town of Christchurch.

"We already have one mast half-a-mile distant at Iford, together with Pokesdown Station, plus one applied for at Fairmile and east Boscombe," he said.

"If they start putting them on the edge of kerbs, where this is, it's ridiculous; it would just be like a forest of masts."

He is urging people to write letters of objection to the borough council by the October 12 deadline.

Hutchinson spokesman Mike Dobson said the mast was required for third generation multi-media phones.

"We need to provide it for our current customers and our future customers," he said. "We are proposing to put an ultra-slimline pole by the side of the road and between two trees so that it will merge in."

Hutchinson's emissions were well below World Health Organisation guidelines and the National Radiological Protection Board has said there was no need for minimum distances between masts and homes, he added.

First published: October 5