Controversial plans to install a “monstrous” mobile phone mast on top of a health centre in a historic market town have sparked anger among neighbours.

The proposal is the latest development in the long-running saga over where operators EE and Three can locate a towering antenna pole in Faversham.

A 24-metre mast is currently installed temporarily in the Central car park - but letters sent to some residents in Stone Street reveal a new one on the roof of Faversham Health Centre in Bank Street would reach even greater heights.

Among those alarmed are Christopher Hamilton and Neil Stephens, who fear it will be a blight on the conservation area and the town’s skyline.

Mr Hamilton said: “The notice says the mast will measure 16.25 metres, including the antenna, but that is on top of the already 10 metre-high building, meaning it will be one of the highest structures in the Faversham.

“It will be a monstrous sight but it’s looking like it’s a done deal without any proper, wider public consultation.”

The health centre backs onto Faversham Pools and Mr Hamilton says the mast will “dominate the skyline”.

“It won’t be a particularly pleasant sight for people sunbathing and enjoying the swimming pool,” he added.

The top of the new mast, once placed on the roof, would be 26 metres above ground level - reaching the same height as six double-decker Stagecoach buses stacked on top of each other.

Mr Stephens added: “I don’t know how it could possibly be acceptable when you can’t even put a skylight in your roof around here because it’s a conservation area.”

The existing tower in Central car park was refused planning permission but given a temporary licence until a permanent solution can be found.

Residents are calling for a full, open consultation.

“We don’t know what alternative sites have been considered and why they have been discounted, for example” added Mr Hamilton, who works in financial services.

“We all accept the need for good mobile coverage and people aren't against a permanent mast in the town, but is this really best place to stick a massive antenna on top of a health centre in such a visible place?”

Its current siting in Central car park has already been the hot topic of much debate and opposition.

Previously, there was a mast on top of the former Woolworths building in Market Street - but it had to be removed when the site was earmarked for development.

In its latest proposal, mobile operators EE and Three argue that the current site in the car park is only providing “emergency coverage” and a permanent solution is needed to support the network.

“Faversham has a historic skyline, from the church spire of St Mary's to the Shepherd Neame brewery…”

In their letter to residents, bosses say: “Following a search of the area and consideration of various options, a suitable solution has been identified that can adequately replace the coverage being lost.

“The selected design represents the best solution, allowing a balance to be achieved between between technical and environmental considerations.

“A new installation will always be, to some degree, a noticeable addition to the area. However, it should be appreciated that the visibility of the installation does not automatically result in overwhelming adverse harm occurring.

“All efforts have been made to keep the installation as small as possible, but this is bound by technical restraints.”

Faversham Mayor, Cllr Josh Rowlands, says the town council has only recently been made aware that the health centre was the preferred new location for the mast.

“Faversham has a historic skyline, from the church spire of St Mary's to the Shepherd Neame brewery…”

But he believes it could be an acceptable solution to the need to provide the town and its businesses with a reliable mobile signal.

“There is always going to be a compromise with something like this,” he said.

“Faversham has a historic skyline, from the church spire of St Mary's to the Shepherd Neame brewery. The addition of the mast in the car park has been an unfortunate disruption to that skyline, with also the knock-on effect of the loss of parking spaces.

“Since the temporary phone mast was installed, the town council has been working with the company responsible to find a permanent solution.

“It has been a long process to reach this point, so my thanks go to all those who have worked to achieve this solution."

The Labour leader and Sr Ann’s ward town councillor, Rob Crayford added: “Local residents living within the conservation area must comply with its restrictions.

As ward councillors, we will engage with residents to understand their concerns and ensure that all issues raised are heard by all relevant parties."

KentOnline has previously reported how councils are torn between keeping communities connected with the latest technology - or prioritising protecting the landscape as often demanded by protesters.

One of the worst areas in Kent for phone signal is Canterbury city centre - and some residents have even said they would accept new masts being installed on the Cathedral if it meant better coverage.

It is not yet clear whether a full planning application will be needed to support the Faversham proposal.

A spokesman for NHS Property Services, which runs the building, said: “NHSPS is aware of the request and will review the application once it is submitted, responding accordingly considering the area in which the property is situated, its use and the services provided from it.”