A PROPOSED 5G mast for Altrincham is already proving controversial.

Plans for the 20-metre mast, close to the entrance of the Stamford Brook development in Altrincham, were submitted by mobile company Three on July 20.

And they have caused anger among residents, who say they were not warned by Trafford Council.

 The plans seek permission from for one 20 metre high pole, supporting six antennas and two transmission dishes, along with four equipment cabinets at the base.

While the proposals have not yet been approved by the authority and still have to go through the appropriate planning channels, 90 people have already written to the council about the plans.

Richard Cripps, who lives on the estate, claimed: “Interestingly there were no notices about it anywhere.

“Many of our residents strongly object to it and find it incredible that it would even be proposed in such a location.

“For years, many have us have worked hard to make Stamford Brook a model development. 

"We have developed it sympathetically, guided by the National Trust, Scanlans and our management company. 

“Understandably we have all signed up to a covenant to avoid out-of-character home development and have had to adhere to this which at times has been very detailed and restrictive.”

Mr Cripps said residents have even been told what colours to paint their front doors and can’t place hanging baskets outside their homes, uinder the terms imposed for living on the estate.

Stamford Brook was built on National Trust land from Dunham Massey and was heralded as an ecological development.

Mr Cripps, speaking on behalf of himself and other residents said: “We now see a proposal for a ‘welcome to Stamford Brook’ landmark that consists of a huge (larger than anywhere nearby) 20 metre mast soaring six metres above the very high apartment block nearby.

“I fully accept the need for progress and new masts are inevitable I guess.

"But they need to be sympathetically placed on business parks, not at the cheapest option because we happen to have power and high speed data on Stamford Brook Road.

“This mast would be an eyesore and an embarrassment on the entrance to Stamford Brook, would tower over some new houses, which will undoubtedly impact house prices, would be outside the window of some residents and would be visible to many, many Stamford Brook and Broadheath properties from ground level or upper windows.”

Mr Cripps and other residents plan to post leaflets through local homes in opposition to the scheme.

A Trafford Council spokesman said: “Trafford Council has been in consultation with local residents ever since receiving this application.  

“We wrote to 56 separate addresses on 30 July and have had 79 objections. We are aware of the significant community interest in the proposals.

“The application will be determined once the consultation period has closed and will be judged on its merits with objections taken into account.

Trafford Council does, however, have limited powers when dealing with applications of this nature.”

A Three spokesman said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Altrincham.

"We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and our submission for new masts, as well as the upgrades to other sites, will be critical to making this happen. We will continue to work with the council to find a way forwards.”