It is five years ago this week since the green light was given to this development on an Epping Forest village green.

Epping Forest councillors have approved controversial plans for a 50-foot phone mast at Chigwell Green.

The district council’s planning committee granted Telephonica UK permission to construct the tower and two associated ground-level cabinets at a meeting.

The mast, which is intended to provide 4G mobile internet and improved phone coverage for Vodafone and O2 customers, will stand opposite the Volvo showroom in Chigwell High Road.

However, several nearby residents have voiced concerns, with one claiming the tower would have a “detrimental impact” on views of the village green, constituting a “major loss” to the community.

In response to the application, another commented: “This base station is not necessary, a 15m height is an overkill.

“There are plenty of other better locations where this mast could be erected without affecting visual amenity in Chigwell village and in the children’s park on the Green.”

A council report on the plans, which conceded the mast would be a: “fairly conspicuous feature in the setting of the Green”, has advised councillors to approve the application.

The local authority has however agreed the tower must be painted a “natural” green and cabinets covered to minimise impact on the surrounding area.

Telephonica originally submitted an application to construct the mast outside Shrubs and Tubs Garden in the High Road in December 2014, which was rejected.

A fresh council report into the Chigwell Green plans concluded the mast: “will have some impact on visual amenity” of the area, but its impact: “will not be at a level which justifies a further refusal”.