The chosen site, at Blackstone Heights, is only metres from homes and backyards. 

The development application for the $200,000 Zenith Court project was advertised in November, with the council now recommended to approve the project at its December meeting. 

Representations and a petition are included in the agenda. Only 30 of the people who signed the petition, did not make a representation. A number of representations were identical, but individually signed.

Blackstone Heights resident Ann Philip raised concerns with the potential loss of amenity. 

“Because this facility is proposed on a fully cleared, flattened site on the highest point of surrounding area there will be no possibility of screening to preserve the amenity and rural character of the area,” Ms Philip said. 

Ms Philip said she is not against phone towers, just doesn’t want the tower so close to homes. 

“There are so many other sites in the area that Telstra say they have considered, but fail to provide any detailed evidence of that in their DA,” she said.

A Telstra spokeswoman said other suggested sites did not meet the list of requirements. 

“We understand the local community has concerns about the location of the proposed mobile base station at Zenith Court,” the spokeswoman said. “We consider a range of options when looking for a suitable location for a new base station, including our network requirements and providing the best coverage for our customers.”

About two-thirds of the Blackstone Heights area would benefit from the tower, consultant planner Heidi Goess said in the council agenda. 

“The telecommunication facility is to benefit the residential area of Blackstone Heights and its occupants and achieves the objectives set out by the state and federal governments,” she said. “The benefit is broad reaching as coverage will serve residents as well as visitors.”