Funny how proposals to install new mobile phone masts are made during school holidays when many residents are away, isn’t it?

The bid to build a 50ft (15m) 5G telecoms mast and additional cabinets in Ferguson Avenue by the Burney Triangle – an area of green space with a stunning new bug hotel and flower beds – was made on Aug 3, after the schools had broken up.

“The proposed location of a new mast shown above will assimilate well into the immediate street scene and not be detrimental,” asserted would-be developers Cignal Infrastructure – who funnily enough are the same company proposing to build a similar mast next to St Andrew’s Square in the middle of the conservation area. Again that application was made during the school holidays.

Unsurprisingly residents in Ferguson Avenue and Burney Avenue are furious that the mast would tower above their homes and are urging people to object.

“The local residents are completely up in arms about this,” said Marcus Wagner of Ferguson Avenue. “Ultimately it’s beyond belief that they think this is an acceptable proposal, especially when the bug hotel has just been installed and the green is starting to look respectable!”

The deadline for comments is only a couple of days away – Tues (Sept 5).

Visit publicaccess.kingston.gov.uk and search for planning application number 23/02118/TEL