A campaign to stop a new mobile phone mast towering over houses in Ben Rhydding looks set to end in victory.

Parish and district councillors have united with residents in a bid to stop telecommunications giant Orange putting up the mast at the bottom of Strathmore Road.

And now planning officers have revealed the scheme is unlikely to get the go-ahead.

Martyn Burke, Ilkley planning officer, said: "The view of the Council is that the mast isn't appropriate in this location and will be writing to the operators shortly with a formal decision.

"It's unusual because it's not a planning application because the mast is only 15 metres and has permitted development rights but with the gradient of the land it will appear to be higher.

"We are fully supportive of what residents are saying. We think it is out-of-scale with the bungalow next to it and it will be a prominent feature on Strathmore Road and not a particularly desirable landmark."

Planning rules mean that local authorities can object to such masts on their siting and appearance.

In this instance Orange applied to the Council for 'prior notification' - necessary where a mast is under the 15m limit.

Ilkley Parish Council's planning committee also voted unanimously to oppose the plan.

Residents have also expressed fears over possible health risks from the mast.

Councillor Audrey Brand, committee chairman, said the gradient of the site meant the mast would look 20 metres high.

Miggy Bailey, Ilkley parish council clerk, said: "There have been objections from a number of residents and I think the parish council feels that it should support the residents and that it's not appropriate in the middle of a residential area."

People have until next Monday to comment. Bradford Council officials have already met to discuss the strength of opposition and the decision is likely to be made by officers under delegated powers.

If they object, Orange will have the right to appeal.

Orange says it needs the mast in that location to clear up a reception blackspot.

Orange spokesman Mark Graver said: "The mast looks like a standard piece of street furniture and is very unobtrusive."

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