PLANS to build a phone mast in Andover have caused controversy among residents, a councillor has said.

An agent acting on behalf of EE called Waldon has erected a mast just off Salisbury Road, close to the Hexagon Stores on Floral Way. 

It is now planning also looking to construct a 20-metre mast with various antenna adjacent to Weyhill Road.

The leader of the Test Valley Borough Council, Cllr Phil North has said the agent acting on behalf of EE has confirmed that this is needed to replace apparatus at Banks Southern Andover Silos off the Weyhill Road which can no longer accommodate the rooftop apparatus due to redevelopment plans for that site.

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They are also proposing to build a 20-metre mast with various antennas adjacent to Weyhill Road, opposite Denning Mead. 

Cllr North has said many residents are unhappy with the decision.

He said: "In essence, the loss of an EE mast at the Andover Silos site has led Waldon Telecom to construct a temporary mast at Floral Way.

"EE also need to replace infrastructure on the top of the McDougalls Flour factory having received a notice to quit. They have, therefore, recently put together plans for a 20-metre mast with various antennas adjacent to the Weyhill Road opposite Denning Mead. Both of these have caused a number of residents to contact me.

"I recognise that we all want an excellent mobile signal, which is essential for modern life. However, these huge pieces of infrastructure need to be in appropriate locations."

He went on to say there has been a "scattergun approach" in Andover in recent years with "Waldon chancing their arm at various sites" but not "solving the problem or improving signal".

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He added: "I, therefore, promised to follow up with the relevant senior people to seek a better solution. I met the head of planning at Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL), Will Osborne. MBNL is owned by EE & THREE and essentially contracts Waldon to find sites and construct infrastructure for them."

A spokesperson from MBNL added: “We are aware of the concerns raised by the local community and are working closely with the Local Planning Authority to find a mutually acceptable resolution for siting the replacement mast. We are also looking to ensure that network coverage is maintained for the area whilst a resolution is being sought.”   

Waldon has also been commented for a comment but has not replied.