A planned 5G mast on a "pleasant" green in Downley will "decimate" the grassy area where many people stop to enjoy the village, upset locals have claimed. 

CK Hutchinson Networks, who are responsible for plans for a string of new 5G masts across the area including near Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe, want to install a 15-metre pole with three cabinets in front of the Jubilee Green, which is on the corner of Plomer GreenLane and Littleworth Road, opposite the Co-Op. 

The company says the 5G mast will help provide vital improved network coverage and capacity which has become particularly important since Covid-19, but some residents are not happy. 

They fear the Jubilee Green, which is a place many people stop to rest, will be "ruined" by the mast and said there are much more appropriate locations for one. 

Downley resident Stephen Vale wrote in objection: "The proposed pole and cabinets are exceptionally ugly and their planned location is completely inappropriate.

"The intended location is in front of Jubilee Green. Jubilee Green is a small, pleasant grassed and wooded area with a bench and flower planter.

"The area is one of the first things a visitor to Downley sees and will be ruined by the presence of the planned equipment.

"People often sit on the bench to rest while children play on the Green. Their enjoyment of the Green will be spoilt by the nearby presence of the pole and cabinets.

"The 15-metre pole will be the tallest feature in the immediate area and will dominate this part of Downley."

He added it would be an "unwelcome presence for years to come" and urged Buckinghamshire Council to reject the plans. 

Mark Starkey also objected, suggesting a barren piece of land next door to the Co-Op that has been unused for years would be much more appropriate. 

He wrote: "[It] would disrupt the valued area for local residents and the community as a whole.

"May I suggest a better site that will not decimate this area for all concerned?

"The tree line would give a natural screen so it is not unsightly and the disruption to the 'Jubilee Garden' would not become a matter of continued and long-lasting disdain in the village."

Paul Homer also objected, fearing the pole's placement would affect the village's chances in the Bucks Best Kept Village competition in future. 

He wrote: "Downley has been runner up to the Bucks Best Kept Village on several occasions - last awarded Certificate of Merit in 2018.

"The sight of a 15 metre pole and metal cabinets in full view once you approach close to the centre of Downley would destroy any chances of the village being considered again in future and is totally inappropriate to the area.

"If demand is proven could the technology be added to the existing telecoms mast in Hithercoft Road?"

Not everyone is against the plans though. 

Chris Burgess said "technology is moving forward and we need to move with it". 

He added: "Internet and phone signal are very poor near Downley Common.

"Currently the area doesn't have fibre, currently internet speed of under 16mbps, hopefully the installation of this 5G mast will give residents more possibilities of a decent connection.

"I appreciate they're not the most attractive things to look at but neither is a lamp post or a green internet/telephone box."

You can view the plans at the Buckinghamshire Council planning portal using the reference 22/06821/PNP16A.