Plans to build a cell phone tower on a wooded hillside in Devonshire have prompted a storm of protest, with more than 230 people registering their objections.

The proposal by Digicel raised hackles of residents and parents of young children using day care centres and nursery schools in the area.

“There was a resounding ‘no’ from parents,” said Myrnette Wolffe of the Blossoming Tots day care centre on Watlington Road. “They objected immediately.”

According to consultants Compu-Cad, the suggested site at 49 South Road poses no risk precisely because of its distance from residences.

The device proposed is a mobile cell-site on wheels, or COW — “a non-permanent structure” that can be “picked up and wheeled away within a few hours”, according to a letter to Planning from Compu-Cad head Diallo Rabain.

The 65ft antenna with a Belco meter and electricity generator can extend to a maximum height of 100ft.

“According to the Department of Health, cell towers need to be a minimum of 30ft high to be deemed safe for residents in the area,” Senator Rabain wrote to Planning agent Richard Lowry.

He described the COW as a “variable tower” of 40ft to 100ft.

Sen Rabain added that the antenna’s height, coupled with the fact that “this tower will be 100ft or greater from any residential dwelling, and within a current cow pasture and surrounded by tall and very mature vegetation”, made the proposed location “more than suitable for this type of installation”.

According to Mr Lowry’s letter, the Development Applications Board may hold a “public hearing” on the matter.

The majority of objections sent to Planning were a form letter, citing concerns such as “property devaluation in the neighbouring area” and “serious health hazards” caused by radiation, including possible “cancer, leukaemia and tumours”.

The letter adds: “In addition, we understand the land on which the tower will be erected is zoned as rural, with overlaying areas of agricultural reserve, and should be protected as such.”

Among the objectors was Katie Adams, head teacher at the School House nursery on nearby Brighton Hill, who told The Royal Gazette: “There has been no proof that cell towers give children cancer — but to me that’s an aside. I don’t think it’s fair to the people living around there. Everybody wants it in someone else’s back yard. Even if I lived in Somerset I would object.”

While many objectors were from the surrounding neighbourhoods, others were from as far away as St George’s, she said that was partly because children from all over the Island attend the nursery school.

The address for the proposed tower is that of Rod and Susan Attride-Stirling, neither of whom were available yesterday for comment. The site is partway up their wooded property adjoining farmland and the forested hillside of Brighton Lane.

Digicel head Wayne Caines was unavailable for comment last night.