Huge mobile phone masts are planned to be built in residential areas across Cardiff .
The massive 20m tall poles are part of plans to expand the 5G mobile network across the country.
Planning applications show masts could be coming to Thornhill, St Mellons and Rhwbina with some just metres from nearby homes.
All there applications are described as a 20 metre "monopole" with six antennas and two microwave dishes. They also plan to include one equipment cabinet each and "ancillary works".
These are the three proposed sites:
Thornhill
The planning documents state the pole would be built on land off Excalibur Drive, adjacent to the Thornhill Church Centre.
According to the plans, the pole would be almost double the height of the nearby church.
St Mellons
This pole would be built opposite the garden centre on Newport Road in St Mellons.
Rhiwbina
The third application would be built on land off Rhiwbina Hill, adjacent to the M4.
Documents submitted as part of the applications say the masts are part of the Cornerstone network, submitted for and on behalf of Cornerstone and Telefónica UK.
The Cornerstone network is a joint venture between Telefónica and Vodafone to make a joint operating grid across the UK.
One of the largest telecommunications in the world, Telefónica includes O2.
In one letter submitted as part of the application, Cornerstone address some public concerns around the masts and state their stations are built to international standards.
It said: "We recognise that the growth in mobile communication has led, in some cases, to public concern about perceived health effects of mobile technology, in particular about siting masts close to local communities.
"Quite naturally, the public seeks reassurance that masts are not in any way harmful or dangerous. We are committed to providing the latest independent peer-reviewed research findings, information, advice and guidance from national and international agencies on radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields."
In October 2019 O2 launched their 5G service in parts of the capital.
Users can benefit from the service in areas around St Mary’s Street, Queens Street, St David’s Centre and around the Principality Stadium.
Since the launch 5G has been rolled out across the UK and plan to cover 50 towns and cities by the summer.
Telefónica have been approached for comment.
