Hundreds of people have objected to plans for a 50-foot phone mast, which they fear will loom over the centre of their village, ruining the view and posing potential health risks.

While it might be at the forefront of the telecommunications industry, somehow the message to Telefonica from the villagers of Hartley is not getting through.

When the parish council wrote to Telefonica to invite it to visit and view potential options, the company declined.

“I am sorry but due to the pressing timescales of the project we will be unable to meet council members to walk the area and discuss other potential options,” wrote acquisition manager Tony Singleton for Telefonica.

“We have carried out a detailed search of the area and, having taken all factors i nto consideration, have selected the most viable option in the area.”

For campaigners like Jennifer Edwards that message is indicative of the poor communication between the phone company and the village, a problem they have tried to combat with leaflet drops and posters to heighten awareness around Hartley.

“We just want people to be aware because unless people have received a letter, they don’t know it’s going ahead,” said the mum of three, who owns Image Hair Studio in Cherry Trees and lives in a flat above, just yards from where the mast is planned.

"This phone pylon is just wedged on a path right in the middle of a residential area," - resident Jennifer Edwards

Those who do know about the proposal have rallied to the cause, with more than 400 objections sent to Sevenoaks Council.

“Hartley is a little village,” added Mrs Edwards. “It doesn’t even have street lights because they don’t fit in with the setting.

“This phone pylon is just wedged on a path right in the middle of a residential area, and there’s two schools within two minutes’ walk either way.

“It’s right next to a bus stop where children are waiting daily.

“It’s absolutely huge.

“The shops and flats it’s next to are eight metres high and this mast is 15 metres high – it would be a complete eyesore.

“The whole community is in uproar.”

She said people were concerned about the potential health risks surrounding transmissions from phone masts.

Although scientific evidence on such risks is inconclusive, those fears were echoed by several other objectors who wrote to Sevenoaks Council, including Rita Stokes, of Church Road.

She said. “This may not be fully proven but surely it is a risk not worth taking when other suitable sites are available that will not impact on the health of the community.”

The applicants say the central location is necessary to provide better coverage in a residential area.

Not everyone agrees, including objector Anthony Diplock of Billings Hill Shaw, Hartley, who has experience in the telecommunications industry.

“There are many open-field sites close to this location suitable for this type of communication mast that would not impact on residential homes and people’s quality of life,” he wrote.

“I have qualifications in radio communications and know that a short move to a more rural site would not effect the radio function of this installation.”

“Telefonica identified that they need to improve the coverage to their customers in Hartley and have proposed a base station by the shops on Church Road," - spokesman

A spokesman for Telefonica said: “Telefonica customers expect to be able to use their mobiles and devices where they live, work and travel.

“Base stations are low-powered devices which cover approximately half a mile in radius. Therefore, we have to put base stations close to our customers.

“Telefonica identified that they need to improve the coverage to their customers in Hartley and have proposed a base station by the shops on Church Road.

“The proposed development will provide 2G, 3G and 4G coverage to Telefonica customers. We are now awaiting the local planning authority’s decision.

“All Telefonica base stations operate well within guideline safety limits. Below these guidelines there is no evidence of adverse health effects for any members of the public.”

According to its website, Telefonica wants to “create, protect and boost connections in life so people can choose a world of unlimited possibilities”.