Phone company told to move mast

A mobile phone firm has been asked to move a mast that was approved in 1998, but no longer meets planning rules.

Woking council said under policies adopted in 2003, the Orange mast in Kestrel Way, Horsell, would be refused.

"It would be deemed a more suitable location that maximised the distance of the mast from homes and schools should be sought," a council statement said.

A spokesman for Orange said the company noted the concerns, but evidence so far showed masts posed no health risk.

He said the firm would be "delighted" to work with the council to find an alternative site.

Satisfactory conclusion

Councillors reviewed the 81ft (24.7 metre) transmitter on council-owned land because the lease was due to expire next March.

They agreed to extend the lease for a year, while the authority worked with Orange to find another suitable location, with a view to the mast being moved within 12 months.

Councillor Simon Bellord said: "I trust that extending the lease for a final year will enable Orange mobile phone company to work with us to reach a conclusion that is satisfactory to everyone."

A spokesman for Orange said: "We note the concerns of Woking Council about proximity to houses and schools but residents can be reassured by findings from the World Health Organisation in 2006 which said that, from all the evidence accumulated so far, masts do not pose a health risk."