Plans for an "eyesore" 5G phone mast that would tower above trees and neighbouring homes have received an angry response from people living nearby.

Mobile network Three hopes to install the 65ft tall structure in the "rural setting" of Barn End Lane, Wilmington, near Dartford.

It intends to construct the tech apparatus on an existing grass verge off Brewers Field, just yards from people's homes.

Telecoms company CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd, which operates the Three network in the UK, has submitted an application to Dartford council asking "whether prior approval is required for the proposed 'slim line' phase 8 monopole with wraparound cabinet".

The council has been consulted on the proposals and has written to nearby residents to inform them.

No planning permission is required for the mast as it qualifies as a permitted development due to its scale.

But the council can object to the proposals on the grounds of its "siting and/or appearance" but other concerns, notably "health related issues" cannot be taken into consideration.

If approved, the mast would stand taller than four stacked double-decker buses.

It has alarmed several neighbours who have lodged objections to the proposals and voiced their concerns online.

One Brewers Field resident said: "This installation would be an eyesore and detract from the rural setting for the area which is used by people for outdoor exercise, dog walkers and horse riders. This tower would be a blight on the area."

Another in Stock Lane added: "There is no need for this structure to be here. The effects of 5G signals are still being investigated.

"Why not put it in one of numerous areas away from residential housing where it isn't an eyesore or where it is masked by trees so that it doesn't detract from the rural setting.?"

Meanwhile others online pointed out the need for such structures, with one resident adding: "It’s the price of progress… Everyone wants the technology but not the infrastructure to support it."

Not everyone is convinced however and it comes shortly after a similar proposal in Canterbury was rejected by the city council last week over fears it would spoil "cathedral views".

But in Swale a council blunder led to a mammoth 20-metre tall mast being built outside people's homes despite objections and similar schemes have been mooted in Ashford.

To read the full planning statement click here.

Three have been contacted for comment.