New bid to keep mast is facing fierce opposition

The One 2 One mast, in the grounds of Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart, Leeds Road, has been up for two years - even though it was proved to be taller than the 15 metres allowed.

Enforcement action was started by Leeds City Council in October last year calling for the company to submit a fresh application or pull the mast down.

But in March, nearby residents learnt that One 2 One was about to submit a new application for the mast - and this time for its proper height of 15.4 metres.

Town councillor Nigel Francis, who lives at nearby Pearson's Buildings, has sent out 200 letters in the area urging people to protest.

"I've nothing against the auction mart because I can see why they want the mast there, but we've always been against it because of its setting close to Otley Chevin and to houses.

"We also oppose it on health grounds because there has still not been any long term study of the effects of low rated micr-owave emissions. How are we to know that these will not have health implications?"

The One 2 One application, which has just been submitted to Leeds City Council, is for a 15.4 metre high monopole with three antennae and two dishes.

But Coun Francis said: "I would say that is completely wrong, the 15.4 metres does not take into account all the headgear and the plinth at the to. If that was taken into account, which it should be, it would make it 17.4 metres," he said.

One 2 One has said that it was purely accidental that the mast turned out to be higher than the 15 metres allowed before planning permission is required.

In a letter to residents, an agent for the company also assured them that the mast was completely safe. But Coun Francis added: "No attempt has been made to camouflage it. It sticks out like a sore thumb."

Paul Marchant, who is standing for the Green Party, said: "They're a damn nuisance. They need to take children into account. I know where my sympathies lie, and they're not with the phone companies."