CAMPAIGNERS have secretly measured a new telecommunications mast they say will emit harmful radiation - and claim it could be in breach of planning regulations.

Now people living near the mast, which has been put up in the grounds of Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart, in Leeds Road, are calling for its immediate demolition.

They are hoping to clinch a victory over mobile phone company One 2 One after measuring the mast in a cloak and dagger operation.

The group used specialist engineering equipment, on loan to a campaigning resident who is a professional engineer.

Hampered by the crowds of people at a car boot sale at the site on Saturday the group returned the next day to take the measurements in more secrecy.

Now the group say their measurements show that the mast exceeds 15m - meaning it ought to have required planning permission.

Under current legislation, telecommunications companies can only escape formal planning permission if the mast - not including the antennae - does not exceed 15 metres.

Councillor Nigel Francis (Ind, Danefield), who is leading the protest, said the group now intended to send their findings to the director of planning at Leeds City Council.

He said: "We have measured the mast and to the best of our knowledge the head, the antennae and the concrete base is well over 15 metres. Measuring from where the antennae start it is still over 15 metres. It is 17 and a half metres all in all and the antennae are not that long.

"We are going to write to Leeds Council and contest the fact that it is over 15 metres and therefore requires full council planning permission. We would like the mast removing."

The mast has been the centre of long-standing campaign as residents living nearby fear it could prove harmful to children and claim property values are falling.

Residents have held several public meetings and have consulted with a representative of One 2 One - and vow they will fight on until the mast is removed.

Coun Francis also claims that gravel has been placed at the bottom of the concrete base to camouflage its length.

A spokesman for Leeds City Council said that if Coun Francis wrote to the director of planning he would act appropriately.

Barrie Turner-Smith, of One 2 One, said: "It is the pole itself that has to be 15 metres and as far as we know all our poles are made at the same place so it is unlikely any would be over 15 metres. We think the rules exclude the base. Perhaps Mr Francis thinks that it includes this.

"Any gravel put at the base would have been for a practical purpose. Without measuring the base I cannot comment. I will have a word with the engineer and get it done."

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