Plans to build a 5G mast near a 14th century church have been slammed as an “act of vandalism”.

CK Hutchinson Ltd (Three) has applied to erect a 20-metre high 5G mast next to Brighton’s oldest church, St Nicholas, on the footpath in Dyke Road.

The application has sparked nearly 70 objections, with residents deeply concerned about how the mast will affect the area and its proximity to listed buildings.

One said: “This mast would dominate the area and would be taller than most, if not all, of the surrounding buildings. It would be an eyesore from almost all angles and ruin the view of Brighton's oldest building (the church). It simply cannot be allowed to be sited in such a prominent site.”

Another said: “It will destroy the character of the area, be an eyesore, and a hindrance on the pavement for all pavement users - specially pushchairs and mobility devices.

"It would be appallingly close to Grade II listed St Nicholas Church and therefore destroy the ambiance in the Clifton Street area. It would be close to both a children's play park and St Paul's school and could pose health problems to the public.”

Paul Chandler, from Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats, said the structure would be “ugly and horribly intrusive” in the historic part of the city.

“It’s hugely intrusive on what is a very precious part of Brighton.,” he said.

“It’s historic. Personally, I can see the need for 5G masts.

“But to put one in the place they’re proposing is an act of vandalism.”

Within the application documents is a supporting letter from Matt Warman MP, minister for Digital Infrastructure.

In the letter, he said it is “in the public interest for local planning authorities to have effective delegation arrangements in place to ensure that decisions on planning applications that raise no significant planning issues are made quickly”.

“Digital connectivity is – now, more than ever – vital to enable people to stay connected and businesses to grow,” he wrote.

“The demand for mobile data is increasing rapidly, and the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted how important it is that we all have access to reliable, high-quality mobile connectivity.

“The government is committed to extending mobile network coverage across the UK and providing uninterrupted mobile signal on all major roads, and our ambition is for the majority of the population to have access to a 5G signal by 2027.”

A Three spokesman said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Brighton. We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and this site will be critical to making that happen. Masts need to be situated where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.

“We carry out extensive searches and evaluate a wide range of options before submitting any planning applications.”