Villagers in mobile mast protest

The mast is being erected in New Quay

Mobile phone firm O2 has been accused of "riding roughshod" over the concerns of residents by erecting a 49ft (15m) mast without planning permission.

Ceredigion Council said its planners refused approval for the mast in the coastal village of New Quay last year.

But O2 said the council did not reply within the 56-day deadline in responding to its application and consent was granted by default.

Up to 12 protesters campaigned as the structure was put up on Wednesday.

Glyn Griffiths protested with other residents in the village.

"O2 is riding roughshod over the concerns of local people by putting up this phone mast without planning permission," complained Mr Griffiths.

The planning department has been, and is currently looking into the issue Ceredigion Council spokeswoman

"The mast is close to a pub and local residents live on the opposite side of the road. People have fears about radiation from the mast, and the effect particularly on children.

"We're trying to get Ceredigion Council to be proactive about this and its legal department is squaring up to O2, but why doesn't the council slap an enforcement order on O2 until the legal dispute has been settled?"

O2 said the council did not inform them about its decision within a 56-day time limit.

Good coverage

"In this case it appears as though we have consent by default for the mast," said a company spokeswoman.

"We will be going ahead so local residents have good coverage and capacity now and in the future."

As for residents' concerns about effects on health, she said a recent report showed there was no evidence that low-powered radio transmitters posed any risks.

A Ceredigion Council spokeswoman said: "The planning department has been, and is currently looking into the issue.

"However, no further comment can be made at this point."

Planning approval for the mast was refused last year, added the spokeswoman.