A landlord has slammed plans for a 5G mast the height of rugby posts to be installed outside his pub.

If approved, the 49ft pole would be put up on a grass verge next to the Stumble Inn, Sittingbourne.

But landlord David Moore, 57, has been left fuming about the "unnecessary" antennae.

Mr Moore, who has owned the boozer for 10 years and grew up in the town, said: "Why should Three be allowed to put it wherever they want?

"I don't want it there. It's no good to me and will have a negative effect being right next to my building."

Mr Moore says he was only made aware of the plans for the mast after receiving a letter on Friday.

He is seeking advice from his local councillors on how to challenge it.

"I won't allow it," he said. "I don't think many people are aware of it, but residents won't like it.

"People who don't live around here won't care but it's right on the wall of the pub.

"Why can't they put it in a random field somewhere or industrial park?

"They tried putting trees on that small bit of grass before – a couple of silver birches – but ended up moving them because it wasn't suitable.

"It's unnecessarily close. I don't see why they have to do it on a small bit of grass like that."

The plans from Cameron Wilson, on behalf of CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd, would see the 15m pole built in St Paul's Street, at the roundabout linking Staplehurst Road and Chalkwell Road.

It would be seen by many residents in the built-up area.

It has been described in planning documents as a "slim line" design and would come with three equipment boxes near the base of the mast on a nearby wall.

A letter from the government to local authorities submitted with the plans says: “We would like the UK to be a world leader in 5G, with the majority of the population covered by a 5G signal by 2027. We are writing to ask for your help in supporting the investment necessary to achieve these objectives.”

Faster download speeds are promised with 5G – short for “fifth-generation mobile networks” – with a full HD movie taking just 10 seconds to download. There is also said to be less buffering.

'While we try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they do need to be situated near to where people will be using the service...'

The application says there is no evidence to suggest exposure to the frequencies from masts has an adverse impact on health.

A Three spokesman said: “Access to 5G has a vital role to play in boosting local economies, helping residents and businesses get faster and more reliable network coverage and this site will be critical to making that happen. We are rolling out the UK’s fastest 5G network so that we can keep everyone connected both now and in the future.”

“While we try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they do need to be situated near to where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.

You can view the plans by clicking here.

Use the reference 22/504266/TNOT56.