A householder who says his home is being overshadowed by a towering 5G mast fears there is "nothing I can do" to stop it being built.
Telefonica, which owns O2, was given planning permission to replace a 23 metre (75 foot) pole with a 20-metre (66 foot) mast on a small plot of land behind homes on Witney Road in Eynsham in 2021.
Residents strongly objected at the time with one of them appearing before West Oxfordshire District Council's planning committee to tell them the current antenna 'loomed' over nearby gardens.
Now Ian Jackman, whose home is next to the antenna, said work has begun on replacing it even though he believes it is a breach of the planning consent.
READ MORE: Oxford United report increase in anti-social behaviour
He said: "The permission that was given in February 2021 for them to remove the monopole was for three years. It means it ran out in February 2024.
"But on March 15 this year the contractors turned up and started digging holes, making noise and started preparations for replacing the old antenna."
Mr Blackman went straight to the council.
He said: "I'm on to West Oxfordshire District Council daily, I’ve been on to the landowners, I’m trying every angle I can to make sure that people are aware of what’s going on.
"And I have actually managed to make them stop work. It seems to have gone quiet so I think I’ve done something."
However, Mr Blackman said he believed Telefonica is "a giant and will eventually run over me".
Changes in the law mean some developments - including masts below a certain height - no longer need planning permission.
He said: "Basically they can do what they want. I’m worried they’re biding their time until they continue to do what they’re doing."
He added: "We have a continuous humming all day and all night.
"I don’t want to sit in my garden when it’s nice and sunny and have a new communications antenna looking in my garden.
"I do believe it is a health risk but I’ve been sent so much jargon by people. They’re trying to baffle me with science.
"I’ve get elderly in laws who live with me they don’t know what to do. They’re worried.
READ MORE: Woman and child taken to hospital following house fire
"My peace and quiet during the weekend was disturbed. There’s dust, there’s noise, that’s all been happening."
West Oxfordshire District Council said it was looking into whether there has been a breach of planning control and if so, whether the council will require any action.
A spokesperson said: "There may be Permitted Development Rights (works not requiring planning permission) available for the installation, alteration or replacement of microwave antenna and any structure intended for its support if certain criteria are met."
Mobile UK, a trade association for mobile network operators, said there was a due process to follow and operators worked with local councils on siting and design issues.
Mr Jackman said: “It is not right that this should be anywhere near residential homes, it should be sited out in fields and open spaces."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel