Residents have hit out at plans to build an “eyesore” 5G mast in the centre of Faversham, describing it as “an out-of-character monstrosity”.

The 65ft structure is planned to be erected in the Queens Hall car park in Forbes Road, next to the Co-op, according to documents submitted to Swale Borough Council.

It comes as mobile operator MBNL, jointly owned by EE and Three, looks into “several different options” for an alternative site for the temporary mast in Central car park, which was controversially erected last year.

Another proposed site is a telegraph pole in Lower Road, just off South Road.

MBNL argues it is needed "to prevent the degradation of critical services on two mobile networks in Faversham" and maintaining coverage in the area is "critical in order to allow business, social cohesion and communication" to the town centre.

But residents have raised concerns about the proposed Queens Hall location for the mast, which they feel could dwarf their homes and deprive the area of much-needed parking spaces.

It is the latest in a long line of 5G mast applications to attract controversy in Kent, but industry figures have pointed out such NIMBY-ism is hindering progress and disadvantaging the many who need phone signal.

Sandra Todd, 71, and Linda Jacob, 69, volunteer near the Queens Hall building, which shares an entrance with the car park.

They believe the impact on both the conservation area and the car park itself would be hard to ignore.

“It’s an out-of-character monstrosity,” said Sandra.

“We need more car parking spaces, not less. It’s a bad idea.”

Residents of Roman Road, which surrounds Queens Hall car park, have also objected to the proposals.

Small business owner Lucy Guthrie, 49, says if the mast is erected, “we’d feel as though we’re being overlooked by a Transformer”.

She added: “The structure will take valuable car parking space, already at a premium in our fast-expanding town.”

Wendy Demuth, 70, raised fears the mast would overshadow her home.

“Our gardens are low down and so the visual impact would be even more considerable,” she said.

“You’d be looking up at this great big thing. It’s totally inappropriate in terms of size, character and obtrusiveness to all of the residents.”

Carole Mandeville, also 70, feels the tower will look “incongruous next to Edwardian and Victorian buildings” and John Parker, 83, expressed concerns about the car park itself.

“Parking in this area is a nightmare,” he said.

“If they keep robbing car parks, they’re going to be left with nothing.

“Irrespective of what we do, if they want to do it, they’ll go ahead and do it.”

The plans have been submitted by Waldon Telecom on behalf of MBNL, Three and EE.

MBNL argues: “There is a demonstrable need for this to prevent the degradation of critical services on two mobile networks within Faversham.”

A spokesman for MBNL told KentOnline: “Following the termination of a lease agreement for our telecoms equipment on the Woolworths building on Market Street, MBNL has been seeking to replace the site and service for the centre of Faversham.

“The current temporary installation in the Central car park is of a functional design and the intention is for it to only remain whilst we find a more suitable permanent site.

“Several different options are being proposed and it is hoped that a permanent solution can be found soon. We are working with the local councillors and the Local Planning Authority in order to do so.

“Maintaining the coverage and service in the area is critical in order to allow business, social cohesion and communication to the centre of Faversham.”

It comes after the mobile giants behind the Central car park structure launched a bid to overturn the rejection of plans to permanently erect it next to a nearby toilet block.

EE and H3G, better known as Three, saw the proposals closed down by Swale Borough Council, who felt the structure “would cause demonstrable harm” to the conservation area.

They have since put in another application to extend the stay of the temporary mast for another 12 months while they find a permanent site for it.

The Queens Hall car park bid is set to be determined by November 8.