FRUSTRATED neighbours of a Caversham nature reserve have hit back over plans for yet another 5G mast installation.

A plan was submitted this month by CK Hutchison, the company which owns the Three mobile network, to install a 5G mast on Caversham Park Road.

But residents fear the 20m-high 5G mast is ‘overbearing and unfitting’ to the surrounding area and harmful to local wildlife.

One resident claims the mast runs the risk of being harmful to the local wildlife with evidence linked to cell towers such as this having a detrimental effect on birds (specifically migration) bats and insects.

The area is also said to be a constant dog walking area and it would affect a vast array of pet owners in the area.

Due to the proximity of many local amenities and schools, some neighbouring communities fear that it will be a detriment to their children and others within Caversham Park.

Tracy Topham said: “The mast will be far too close to a primary school, local residents and all the amenities available at Clayfield Copse recreation area particularly the wide variety of known wildlife in this area.

“Studies show that radiation from masts can have adverse effects up to 500 metres away and having two local primary schools within that range is unacceptable.

“The proposed apparatus is not in keeping with the surrounding area and would be unsightly and overbearing compared to the existing semi-rural location.”

Many comments on the current planning application have objected purely due to the disruption it would cause across the area and proximity to Clayfield Copse nature reserve.

Craig Mills said: "This would not only be extremely unsightly in an area of retained natural beauty and would clearly be visible from the Clayfield Copse nature reserve, but it also runs the risk of being harmful to the local wildlife.”

This is the third 5G mast within the Caversham area that has been opposed by residents wanting to sustain the beauty of the area.

In January 2023, another 5G mast on Caversham playing field was refused due to objections from residents in the area.

Many of Caversham’s existing structures are known as ‘semi-rural’.

According to objections, the erection of a 20-metre ‘overbearing’ mast would have a detrimental effect on the area's charm and natural beauty.

A Three spokesperson said: “We want to provide a reliable network experience for the residents and businesses of Caversham and our planners determined that this new 5G site is required to deliver it.

"While we try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they do need to be located near to where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.”