A High Wycombe head teacher has objected to the "out of keeping" plans for a 5G mast close to a school - as parents and neighbours slam the plans. 

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd recently submitted plans to install a 5G telecommunications pole and three equipment cabinets on the grass verge close to the staff car park and playing field of Royal Grammar School on Hamilton Road.

The plans have caused outrage among parents and neighbours - with one even threatening to take their son out of the prestigious school if the plans were allowed to go ahead, amid unsubstantiated fears over the health effects of 5G. 

Royal Grammar School head teacher Philip Wayne has blasted the planned mast as an "eyesore", saying the school has put "significant resources" into making sure their buildings and landscaping are sympathetic to the area - and that the mast will be a blight. 

He said: "As a notable part of the local community, it is my duty to work with local residents, many of whom have told me that they strongly object to the installation of the mast.

"I have a duty of care to the 1,430 students and 150 staff who attend my school on a daily basis and the 90 students and staff who live on site either in staff accommodation or in our boarding house.

"I do not believe that there was adequate consultation prior to this planning application. I am aware that some of our neighbours were not consulted at all.

"The proposed installation is completely out of keeping with the local area and will be detrimental to the streetscape.

"We do not want local residents looking at eyesores -the mast will most definitely be one. I expect that local residents see this as blight; detrimental to their outlook."

He also added to concerns raised by parents and neighbours about the safety of the busy Hamilton Road, saying adding a mast could distract drivers. 

He said: "Hamilton Road is a busy road; a 'rat run' as well as the access route to several key areas of our school estate.

"The bend in the road is hazardous to our students and parents who have to cross the road several times daily, in some cases, to access parking, school facilities etc.

"Despite several requests for a proper crossing facility rather than the current red strip which is ignored by many motorists.

"I am very concerned that in an area with a high footfall, close proximity to a large school and a history of accidents, the council should consider very seriously the extent to which this mast will add further distractions to motorists."

Dozens of objections have been made from locals against the plans. 

CK Hutchinson - which has put forward a string of 5G mast plans across Wycombe - has justified the proposals because it will provide "improved network coverage and capacity”, something which has become particularly important to people since the Covid-19 pandemic started and many people switched to home working.

See the full details of the application using the reference 22/06650/PNP16A on the Buckinghamshire Council planning portal.