The reconfiguration of the Shell filling station in Quarry Hill, Tonbridge, has led to the erection of a new mobile phone mast.

The garage obtained planning permission for its redevelopment last month, but the changes mean that an existing 18.2m high mobile phone mast will go.

Instead, a new mast has been erected to the rear of the site, closer to St Mary's Road.

Waldron Telecom, who is acting as the agent for phone operators EE and Three, said that without the new mast there would be a gap in service for mobile phone users in the area on 2G, 3G and 4G platforms. But in addition the companies have taken the opportunity to provide a 5G service, which necessitates a taller tower of 22m.

The move has upset neighbours.

Rachael Ludbrook said: "This extremely large tower will be an ugly eyesore and will affect the view from many homes and gardens - including ours - impacting the quality of life for residents.

"We enjoy using our garden, and do not look forward to the prospect of this huge mast towering above us and blighting the skyline.

"The tower will be much taller than the local buildings and is completely out of keeping with the style of the local Victorian buildings."

The tower that has gone up is described as a "temporary" arrangement, as Tonbridge and Malling council has not yet approved the official planning application.

However, telecommunication masts have permitted development rights, meaning the council can only object to the design of the mast and not the principle of its location.

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