PLANS to place a phone mast measuring more than 12 metres close to a children’s play area have been thrown out by councillors.

Mobile phone giant O2 applied for the 12.5 metre radio base to be placed on Warrington Road, Penketh.

The matter was brought before the borough council’s development control committee last Wednesday after Penketh Parish Council objected to the plans.

Clr Fiona Bruce, of Penketh and Cuerdley, said there seemed to be a precedent for masts to be placed on the area as four were already sited close to Warrington Road.

She asked for the application to be refused on the grounds that it was close to a play area on Greystone Road that children used daily. She said if the mast was to be placed near a school play area it would not be allowed.

Clr Paul Campbell, Penketh and Cuerdley, said: “There is no conclusive evidence that they are harmful but none that they are not.

“I think the application needs to be looked at because it is in close proximity to the school and a child’s play area.

“I would hate to find out in the near future that there is evidence.

“We seem to be getting dumped on by these masts and it needs to be stopped.”

Clr Linda Dirir, Penketh and Cuerdley, said the playground, which was built for youngsters under 10 with a £50,000 Wren grant, would look obscene with a mast in the middle of it.

Paul Street, speaking on behalf of O2, said: “The health issue is an emotive one but officers can’t refuse on health grounds.”

He said that the exposure to radio frequency would be less than 0.02 per cent in the playground.

“It is the only area where O2 can look for installation,” he said.

Clr Bernard Long, of Westbrook, questioned the diameter of the post. He was told it would be about 300mm. He said: “I don’t remember seeing any lamp-posts that are a foot in diameter.”

The application was refused after the majority of councillors voted against the plans due to its visual impact.