EIGHT objections have so far been registered against a planning application to erect a 30m phone mast near Tyne Riverside Country Park.

The application was submitted on April 6 by Icon Tower Infrastructure Group Limited, who hope to erect the structure on the land at Gladstone Packaging Station Industrial Estate in Prudhoe.

The installation of a new sharable 30m lattice mast will be placed next to an existing mast to the east of the site.

According to the plans, The proposed new mast will supports six antennas over one headframe, and two 600mm diameter transmission link dishes. It will also have seven equipment cabinets, 2.4m high perimeter fence and ancillary development.

Hexham Courant:

Icon Tower Infrastructure Group Limited believe this is required to facilitate enhanced network coverage for mobile network operators.

But several residents fear it would have become an 'eyesore' and have 'huge impact' of the views around the Northumberland countryside.

Cheryl Milner is one of the residents who is against the mast.

She said: "As a regular walker down Prudhoe riverside, this mast will have a huge impact on the immediate vicinity with regards to the views and enjoyment that Prudhoe riverside visitors enjoy.

"It is very imposing and will be an eyesore for anyone from Prudhoe and Ovingham 24/7 and for any visitors coming to the riverside and the local area.

"As you will be aware, Prudhoe and its residential houses are built on a large hill with stunning views looking down towards the riverside, this mast will be an eyesore for most people of the town.

"If a mast is being considered and is a must, would it not be better situated further along the industrial estate where the height of the mast can be obscured by the trees of the woodland that are already there.

"Failing that, a mast should not be erected at all."