EE is appealing against Kingston Council’s decision to refuse its bid to build an 82ft (25m) mobile telephone mast in Victoria Rec.

The plan to build the mast (the size of two double decker buses standing on end), a large compound around it, and associated paraphernalia in the Surbiton park off Balaclava Road, was thrown out by planners in April after more than 250 people objected to the proposal.

But the mobile telephone company, which primarily wants the giant mast to improve connectivity for commuters on the nearby railway line, has gone to the planning inspectorate over the decision.

Last week, the government confirmed it would remove the current height restrictions on masts, currently at 25m – the same height as EE’s proposal – but didn’t say what the new height restriction would be.

On average, the current restriction is 33ft (10m) shorter than in Europe.

Under the government’s plans the masts will still need to be approved by councils, though full planning permission will not be required.

However, upgrades to existing masts will be allowed without local authority approval.

St Mark’s ward councillors Liz Green, Diane White and Yogan Yoganathan, had previously objected to the proposal. Cllr Green said: “We’ll fight this appeal, with residents and park users. It’s not a suitable site.”

People have until August 24 to submit their views to the inspectorate either on the government’s website at https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk or by sending three copies in writing to The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3C, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol BS1 6PN quoting reference APP/Z5630/W/20/3254384

To find out more about EE’s proposal search planning applications on Kingston Council’s website at https://publicaccess.kingston.gov.uk/online-applications and enter the application number 20/00809/TEL

Pictured above is a mock-up of how the mast could look, towering over the tallest trees in the well-used park.