THE first of several new applications by Vodafone to build masts in Winchester has been made.

It wants to install a 13.8-metre high base station at the corner of Stoney Lane and Stockbridge Road in Weeke.

It is the third time that the firm has sought permission at the site, having withdrawn two previous schemes.

The phone company said last month (March) that it was “developing proposals for several base stations in Winchester”. The masts will be shared with another firm, O2.

One of the most controversial is for Stoke Road in Abbotts Barton, where residents blocked the road to protest last time around.

They have pledged to fight again, although an application is yet to be officially made.

However, Winchester City Council has received the paperwork for the site in Weeke, which has also been controversial.

Lydia Revett, who is leading the campaign in Weeke, said: “This mast will be an absolute monster. It’ll be around four metres higher than a three-storey building.”

She added that the proposals seemed to be no different to the scheme that was withdrawn a year ago.

“What’s so frustrating for the community is that every time a new application is made, we have to start all over again,” she said.

Objections made by residents to the previous schemes do not count, so they will all have to object again, she added.

Vodafone says the extra masts are needed to improve coverage for 3G customers.