A furious homeowner has spoken out after telecoms workers installed a towering broadband pole just six inches from his garden without warning.
John Rowlands, from Gosport, Portsmouth, was left stunned when workers from telecoms firm Toob erected the nearly 10-metre-high mast directly beside his property.
The pole is one of around ten huge masts installed on his estate, which Rowlands claims were put up without any prior notification to residents.
"It towers 10 metres over our back garden, is only seven metres from our patio and is an absolute eyesore," Rowlands told MailOnline.
Rowlands said residents only received notification letters the day after installation.
"We strongly object to its position," he said. "We fear it may negatively affect the value of our property."
The homeowner explained that the pole's placement has particularly impacted his garden enjoyment. "We use our garden patio a lot in the summer and one place we sit in the shade is only a matter of two or three metres from the pole. It's not a nice thing to have to look at."
Despite contacting his MP and council, Rowlands discovered they lacked the authority to remove the legally placed pole.
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The situation has been made worse by a smelly substance coating the pole, according to Rowlands.
"Our washing line is about 5cm from it, so when the wind blew, it blew creosote onto our washing," he explained.
The creosote, a tar-like substance commonly found in chimneys, has been causing problems when it blows off the pole in windy conditions.
Months after installation, Rowlands received a letter from Toob informing him that the pole would not be moved.
"We're really annoyed it's spoilt our back garden, and for my neighbours as well," he said.
A Toob spokesman defended their actions, noting they had "invested over £10million in the area while covering more than 30,000 premises" in Gosport.
The company said their telegraph poles comply with industry standards and use typical preservation methods, pointing out there are "around four million telegraph poles across the UK that use the same methods".
"We engage with residents ahead of time and take their views into account, changing our network plans where possible," they added.
The firm urged Rowlands to contact them directly to discuss his concerns further.
In a similar case, residents in Great Harwood, Lancashire, protested against a 50ft fast-internet mast installed by IX Wireless Network.
Lisa Denicola, who has lived in the area for 15 years, said around 30 people objected to the mast's installation.
Residents raised concerns about its impact on property values, wildlife and health.
IX Wireless responded at the time, stating: "The company is keen to work with local residents and welcome any input which can help to improve our service."
The company indicated the pole was due to be relocated following their 28-day objection period.
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John Rowlands, from Gosport, Portsmouth, was left stunned when workers from telecoms firm Toob erected the nearly 10-metre-high mast directly beside his property.
The pole is one of around ten huge masts installed on his estate, which Rowlands claims were put up without any prior notification to residents.
"It towers 10 metres over our back garden, is only seven metres from our patio and is an absolute eyesore," Rowlands told MailOnline.
Rowlands said residents only received notification letters the day after installation.
"We strongly object to its position," he said. "We fear it may negatively affect the value of our property."
The homeowner explained that the pole's placement has particularly impacted his garden enjoyment. "We use our garden patio a lot in the summer and one place we sit in the shade is only a matter of two or three metres from the pole. It's not a nice thing to have to look at."
Despite contacting his MP and council, Rowlands discovered they lacked the authority to remove the legally placed pole.
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The situation has been made worse by a smelly substance coating the pole, according to Rowlands.
"Our washing line is about 5cm from it, so when the wind blew, it blew creosote onto our washing," he explained.
The creosote, a tar-like substance commonly found in chimneys, has been causing problems when it blows off the pole in windy conditions.
Months after installation, Rowlands received a letter from Toob informing him that the pole would not be moved.
"We're really annoyed it's spoilt our back garden, and for my neighbours as well," he said.
A Toob spokesman defended their actions, noting they had "invested over £10million in the area while covering more than 30,000 premises" in Gosport.
The company said their telegraph poles comply with industry standards and use typical preservation methods, pointing out there are "around four million telegraph poles across the UK that use the same methods".
"We engage with residents ahead of time and take their views into account, changing our network plans where possible," they added.
The firm urged Rowlands to contact them directly to discuss his concerns further.
In a similar case, residents in Great Harwood, Lancashire, protested against a 50ft fast-internet mast installed by IX Wireless Network.
Lisa Denicola, who has lived in the area for 15 years, said around 30 people objected to the mast's installation.
Residents raised concerns about its impact on property values, wildlife and health.
IX Wireless responded at the time, stating: "The company is keen to work with local residents and welcome any input which can help to improve our service."
The company indicated the pole was due to be relocated following their 28-day objection period.
Find Out More...