A public meeting is to be held to discuss plans by O2 to install a 20m tall 5G mobile phone mast in the heart of the Cambridge Park Conservation Area.

The mobile phone company, which is a sister brand of Virgin Media broadband, has drawn up plans to erect the mast and associated cabinets at the Cambridge Park Bowls Club.

How the mast could look (credit O2)

The mast would sit in the car park area and the plan would involve cutting back at least one of the trees that surround the club, which dates back to 1955.

The club is set to host a meeting at 7pm on Thursday – April 13 - which will allow club members and local residents to raise concerns.

The mast would sit on the south east boundary of the site, potentially blighting the currently green and leafy view from properties on Cambridge Park towards Marble Hill Park.

Blue circle identifies mast location in Cambridge Park Conservation Area

The Cambridge Park Conservation Area was first designated in 1974 and then extended in 1982 and 1988.

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Conservation areas were introduced in the Civic Amenities Act 1967 and are defined as areas of 'special architectural or historic interest. the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'.

The objective of a conservation area is to provide a clearly defined analysis of the character and appearance of an area, which is used to assist in development control decisions.

Views from properties in Cambridge Park could be blighted by mast (credit Google Streetview)

Mobile phone companies have triggered a series of battles across the borough with plans for new supersize masts, used to boost 5G signals, on sensitive sites.

Recently, a plan for a 20m mast in a conservation area on the pavement outside Deer Park School on Richmond Road, near Richmond Bridge, was rejected by the Council following more than 400 complaints.

Residents condemned what they described as an 'eyesore', 'ugly' and 'industrial' mast and its associated cabinets.

Most mobile phone mast applications are decided by council officers, rather than being referred to councillors on the planning committee. Officials have, generally, refused permission for applications on sensitive sites.