RESIDENTS are delighted an O2 application to install a mobile phone mast has been rejected by council leaders - but are worried the firm will appeal.
Council bosses decided to say no to proposals by O2 to install another phone mast on the Hylton Road industrial estate because Vodafone already has a mast on the site.
The application was rejected on the grounds of 'proliferation' - but O2 can appeal for a review, which will then be undertaken by a government inspector.
People living on Hardwicke Close opposite the site said the Vodafone mast erected in 2004 went ahead on appeal after the company was refused first time.
Resident Carole Handley, aged 67, said: "I don't want it full stop. We are obviously pleased with the council's decision, but O2 can appeal, can't they?
"Why can't they see sense? There is already a mast on the site - do we want a forest of them? I don't like people bringing out the worst in me, and that's what they have done.
"I have lived here approximately 39 years. Hopefully, this will be the end of the matter."
The council said it could not refuse O2's request on health and safety grounds even though evidence that masts pose no health risk is inconclusive.
Under the Government's Stewart Report a local authority should look for other reasons to refuse new phone masts - such as the existence of nearby masts or location to houses.
Pensioner Derek Bufton said: "I think it's great news that the council said no. The existing mast is an eyesore. The trees that have been planted in front of it have all but died.
"I think it's the right decision, but we are worried about what will happen on appeal. The councillors did their job - I told councillor Mike Layland I'd buy him a pint for what he's done."
Planning Officer Paul O' Conner said. "It is an industrial site. If O2 appeal we would be vulnerable."
BUT ANOTHER MAST GETS GO-AHEAD DESPITE HEALTH FEARS
A MOBILE phone mast has been given the go-ahead in St John's, despite fears it will blight the area and be a health risk.
Council bosses said communications giant O2 can build a phone mast on Oldbury Road, despite admitting masts look ugly and scare the public over cancer risks.
It will go up near a playing field, close to homes and 30 metres away from an existing Orange mobile phone mast.
Bosses approved the application because government guidelines state masts are safe - and any local authority refusal is likely to be overturned by appeal.
Official guidelines - under the Stewart Report - state any refusal cannot be on health concerns.
The report does state children should still be kept away from masts as a precaution, because the evidence on health risk is still inconclusive.
"It's a disgrace," said Coun Sam Arnold.
"In St John's there are at least seven stations in close proximity. It is not about being anti-mobile but it is about being sensible. It is easier to get planning permission for phone masts than it is for some people to get a conservatory. I am very disappointed with the decision."
The mast will sit at the north side of Oldbury Road, between Ambrose Close and Brookside Road.
Planning bosses came to their decision despite confusion over whether phone masts provide a health and safety risk, though all agreed masts look unsightly.
Councillor Paul Denham, who sits on the planning committee, said: "I actually live near a mast myself. The radiation given out by mobile phones is actually greater than the radiation given out by phone masts.
"Having said that, they do look like monstrosities. The public are scared of them and no amount of government guidelines can solve this."
Coun Mike Layland said: "Companies like O2 should put in a little more effort to build on areas we deem acceptable, like Kays. I wouldn't like to live near a mast myself. I think there is a health risk - it has been linked to cancer."
Chair of the committee Coun Robert Rowden said: "The guidelines say 'approve it' from a health and safety point of view. Inspectors can overturn decisions like this and there is a danger they would overturn if we reject it."
In 2004 an application for a phone mast on Newtown Road, in the city centre, was refused only for O2 to get permission to build after appeal.
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