‘It’s Driven Me Out of My Home’: Kidderminster Residents Decry ‘Invasive’ 5G Mast
Homeowners on a quiet residential road in Kidderminster are reporting that their lives have been turned upside down by the installation of a colossal 100-foot tall 5G mast. Erected at the bottom of their gardens in May, the structure is causing widespread distress due to a constant, loud humming noise and fears for their safety.
‘A Huge Issue’ and Safety Fears
The mast, installed by Mobile Broadband Network Ltd (MBNL), stands a mere 1.8 metres (approximately 6 feet) from the boundary fences of properties on Hurcott Road. Residents fear the towering ‘eyesore’, anchored by concrete blocks and chains, could be lethal if it were to fall in strong winds.
Steve Taylor, a 58-year-old marketing executive, has been so alarmed that he has moved into his partner’s house in Droitwich. He expressed his fury, stating, "I wasn't expecting a nearly 100-foot 5G tower six foot from my garden." He detailed his terror, saying, "The height of it, it would reach the house if it gave way in strong winds. It would kill me if I was asleep. It's driven me out of my home."
‘The Noise Drives You Insane’
Beyond the visual intrusion and safety concerns, the mast emits a relentless disturbance. A generator attached to the unit produces a constant humming noise that is audible inside homes and permeates their gardens 24 hours a day. Residents also complain of a ‘horrible’ smell of fumes.
Jackie Hardwick, a 68-year-old retired caterer who has lived on the street for 28 years, confirmed the acoustic nightmare. "We get humming in our garden which is quite disturbing. It drives you insane," she said. She also revealed that residents were given minimal warning, receiving a letter on a Friday before construction began the following Monday.
The situation is so severe that it is affecting property sales. Reform councillor Mark Crosby from Worcestershire County Council reported that a potential homebuyer "walked in, saw the tower and walked straight out."
Official Responses and the Search for a Solution
The land where the mast is located is owned by the Community Housing association and is leased to MBNL until at least September 1, 2026. A spokesperson for Community Housing stated they understand the concerns and are working with MBNL and the council to have the temporary mast removed "as soon as possible."
An MBNL spokesperson explained that the temporary mast was essential for maintaining mobile coverage after the previous site on Coniston House was removed ahead of the building's demolition. They apologised for the inconvenience and confirmed they are urging the local authority to support a planning application for a new permanent mast nearby.
Wyre Forest District Council clarified that the mast was installed under permitted development rights, which allow for temporary equipment in emergencies for up to 18 months without needing full planning permission.
For now, the residents of Hurcott Road are left waiting, their patience tested by the unending hum and the shadow of the structure that has, in Steve Taylor's words, "ruined my life."
