A plan to install an 'eyesore' supersize 20m mobile mast on the pavement in a conservation area immediately outside the entrance to Deer Park School has triggered fury.

East Twickenham residents are angry that the agents for the mobile phone company, Three, slipped in the planning application over the Christmas holidays when many people were away.

They said making the application on December 21 with a closing date for public comments of January 4 was 'cynical' and 'outrageous'.

The proposed site is in the Richmond Road conservation area on the approach to Richmond Bridge.

It is within a few feet of the primary school entrance and Lidl supermarket, as well as a busy bus stop and the distinctive Old Ryde House, which is a Grade II listed.

More than 300 objections have been made via Richmond Borough Council's planning website with the consultation due to end on January 4.

Objections have come from the school itself, the Richmond Bridge Residents Association, parents and local councillors.

The plan to erect what residents have condemned as an 'eyesore', 'ugly' and 'industrial' mast and associated cabinets coincides with the start of a major initiative by the Council to improve the area, which is on the approach to the historic Richmond Bridge.

The council has set aside £800,000 to improve and 'green' the area, making it more attractive for pedestrians, residents and visitors, with new trees and widened pavements.

One resident complained: "This application is by the 'back door' issued over the festive period. Many local people won't be aware of the proposal at all. And, those of us who are only heard of it on 31st December (with a closing date of 4 January)."

Another said: "The telecommunications apparatus and its associated cabinetry causes a significant loss of visual amenity both at the immediate site as well as in the surrounding area, in particular … from the historically important vista from Richmond Bridge.'

Others said the location of the mast and cabinets next to the school entrance and a bus stop would cause a serious pavement obstruction and safety risk, particularly at school drop off and pick up times.

They suggested that such equipment can create noise, which could disturb children studying in classrooms just a few feet away.

A number of people suggested the electromagnetic radiation from what is a huge mast immediately on the doorstep of the school would create a health risk. This is disputed by the mobile phone networks.

A third resident spoke for many, saying: "The proposed location of the mast could not be more obtrusive or ugly, or cause a greater loss of visual amenity, not to mention potential pedestrian obstruction, and arboreal conflict."

Deer Park School, which has more than 300 pupils, objected, saying: "This area is heavily used at both entry and exit times within the school day, and is congested at these times; especially in light of the adjacent bus stop.

"The congestion traffic in this case is primary aged children and their families, many of whom have prams, bikes, scooters, or buggies, and the imposition of a 20m mast and three large metal containers will be at best obstructive and, more likely, unsafe for our children."

The school added: "Our building and streetscape are, additionally, a source of pride for our school and community. We and many others have put considerable work into making the school-front welcoming and appealing.

"Placing a mast which is 4m taller than the very school building it is in front of, with three sizeable containers next to it, will greatly detract from a careful building design which itself went through rigorous and lengthy scrutiny to ensure that it was

environmentally conscious and acceptable to the local community."

Richmond borough has seen a large number of supersize mobile phone mast applications in recent years – most associated with the new super-fast 5G networks. A number have been on sensitive sites, including next to historic buildings and important green spaces.

Most mobile phone mast applications are decided by council officers, rather than being referred to councillors on the planning committee. Officials have, generally, refused permission for applications on sensitive sites.

People can view the proposal and make a comment at this link - http://www2.richmond.gov.uk/PlanData2/Planning_CASENO.aspx?strCASENO=22/3747/TEL&DocTypeID=52#docs