A communications company behind controversial plans for a new 20-metre-high mobile phone mast have insisted the proposal is necessary to boost mobile phone signals in Rickmansworth.

More than 150 people have voiced concerns about the plans for a mobile phone mast, which have been submitted by CTIL and Telefonica UK Ltd and Vodafone LTD.

The proposed 20 metre mast would be built in Batchworth Depot, Harefield Road, and would include six antennas and a satellite dish, but residents are also questioning if it is needed in the area.

Numerous residents are worried about being able to see the mast from their homes in Harefield Road, Landford Close and Sherfield Avenue and they have also expressed concerns about the effect it will have on property value.

But Ilana Clark, community liaison officer at CTIL, told the Watford Observer the proposals have been introduced after the communications giant identified that they needed to boost signal in the area.

She said: “Telefonica customers expect to be able to use their mobiles and devices where they live, work and travel.

"Base stations are low powered devices which cover approximately half a mile in radius, therefore we have to put case stations close to our customers.

“We have identified that we need improve the coverage to our customers in Rickmansworth and have submitted a planning application to install telecommunications equipment at Batchworth Pumping Station, Harefield Road.”