Council sorry over mast blunder

A council has apologised to residents after a phone mast was approved because of an administrative error.

Vodafone applied to install a mobile phone base station on Skellingthorpe Road in Lincoln in 2006.

The city council originally turned the application down on the grounds of appearance but had to inform Vodafone of the decision within 56 days.

The firm was not told within the time limit and Vodafone was granted "deemed" approval by default.

In a statement, Paul Seddon, development control manager for Lincoln City Council, said: "First we would like to apologise for this error.

"We have looked into possible remedies. We have attempted to persuade the company to reconsider the matter and work with us to look at a different site.

"Since 2006 masts elsewhere in the city, which were also refused by the council on grounds of visual harm, have since been given planning permission by the planning inspector."

Health queries

But nearby resident Ken Marsh said he was disappointed about the outcome.

"There are other sites which could be used," said Mr Marsh. "I have a pacemaker and don't know the effects the mast will have on that."

Dr Rob Matthews, from Vodafone, said there was no evidence of any adverse health effects from phone masts.

"The council has to follow legislation - as we do - to be able to give us a decision within a set period of 56 days.

"We did not receive a decision within that time and...we're perfectly within our rights to continue with the installation."