A PLANNING application by telecommunications giants BT Cellnet to erect a mobile phone mast on the roof of Alford Sports and Social Club was refused last week.

Members of the council's development control committee overturned planning officers' recommendations to approve the application on the grounds that it will affect residents' visual amenity.

Fairfield and Howley Councillor Anne Haddow spoke on behalf of residents living near the site, which already has a phone mast situated on the roof.

Clr Haddow raised concerns about the safety of residents living near to the mast, claiming that the jury was still out on whether health risks could be linked to radiation from the antennae.

She said: "This is not welcome by the people in the residential area, people are worried about the impact and danger of possible radiation, though it has not been proven neither has it been disproven. Any dangers could be magnified by further antennae.

"Though there are no available guidelines on the dangers, the public perception of the masts is that they are at risk."

Speaking afterwards she said: "There are no long term studies on the dangers because they have only been in use for a comparatively short time. They are making estimations when there is no real evidence. Speaking as a member of the public, the more you have the more dangerous it is likely to be. The burden of proof will take a long time and there are dangers in the meantime.

"I was pleased the application was refused and that they are taking our views on board but the decision could always go to appeal which will be a shame. There are other far better locations for the siting of a mast but they seem to have taken the easy option."

Officers initially recommended to approve the application on the grounds that the sharing of sites is strongly encouraged by the Government, as is the use of existing buildings and it was considered that the appearance would not be excessively prominent.