PLANS for an telecommunications facility in Aberglasslyn has raised concerns from nearby residents.
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The proposed 35 metre telecommunications tower, which will be operated by Telstra, would be located at 8 McKeachie Drive.
But surrounding neighbours have are worried about the potential impacts on health and housing values from the proposed development.
Resident Lesley Kennedy said the surrounding neighbours were "very upset" about plans for the huge phone tower.
"I've spoken to all the homeowners [in Myrtle Crescent] and we are all very upset about devaluation," she said.
"They're [house prices] going to be lowered. They could choose to put it near the sporting fields and then it wouldn't affect anyone."
She added many of the residents didn't even know about the development application until this week - with the submission period closing on Monday, October 21.
"They really haven't given us enough time to gather all the facts and look into it," Ms Kennedy said.
"We are really not happy at all. It's directly next to residential areas.
"We also have a preschool who will be impacted by it. We don't know if there are any effects. We are concerned about whether it will affect the children."
But a Statement of Environmental Effects stated the location was "the most viable option" to meet the coverage and capacity objectives required.
Residents have also voiced worries on social media via the West Maitland Community Awareness Facebook group.
"Please note this will be a 35 metre tower located directly opposite residential housing and less than 60 metre from a child care centre," a member wrote.
"The location of this tower is absolutely incompatible with the area and poses a significant electromagnetic radiation risk to the immediate area."
The environmental effects statement read: "The site is considered to be the most viable option to satisfy the mobile coverage and capacity objectives for Telstra's customers in Aberglasslyn, considering the constraints and challenges posed by extensive residential zoning, a lack of co-location and low-impact solution options, and property owners unwilling to grant land tenure for a mobile facility.
"Currently the closest mobile facilities are more than two kilometres away and are inadequate for providing reliable, high quality mobile service to customers in the already highly populated and rapidly growing Aberglasslyn area.
"The facility will form an integral part of Telstra's mobile network in the Aberglasslyn, Rutherford and greater Maitland area."
The proposal, which has a nearly $430,000 price tag, is under assessment from Maitland City Council.
People who wish to make a submission can do so by writing to Maitland City Council - they have until Monday, October 21.
