AN experimental 5G phone mast is set to be installed at Malvern Hills Science Park in the face of strong objections.

The 25-metre mast is set to be built on the western edge of the science park site, close to its boundary with the Malvern College playing field.

At a planning meeting on Wednesday, committee members heard from resident Neil Blowers, who spoke of health fears over the effects of 5G radio waves.

He said: "There are many thousands of reported, medically-confirmed and peer-reviewed cases of illnesses caused by wi-fi and close proximity to existing cell phone towers, including increased occurrences of brain tumours, cancer and neurological disorders including epilepsy. autism, Alzheimer's, attention deficit disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome."

But the planning report in front of council members said that the proposed mast would conform to guidelines laid down by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection about safe limits of exposure.

Cllr James O'Donnell said: "When I grew up here in Malvern, we had large radar dishes at QinetiQ that were much bigger than what we have here.

"We also live on granite hills that emit three-and-a-half times the normal level of background radiation."

Members voted 14 to nil with three abstentions to approve the mast proposal.