PROTESTERS have won a battle in the war to stop mobile phone masts being put up near their homes.

As a result of pressure from campaigners Vale Royal Borough Council has agreed to inform residents as soon as it knows a phone company is planning to install a mast.

The change is one of a number in a new planning policy, originally outlined in the Guardian last month, which was brought about by the protesters concerns over health issues.

Residents had been complaining that smaller masts, of up to 15 metres, which do not require planning permission, had been springing up overnight without warning.

One example was the Orange mast, which was put up between Townfields Drive and Swanlow Lane, much to the anger of residents who have been campaigning strongly for its removal.

One of these campaigners, Chris Penter, welcomed the council's proposals and praised their swift response to their plight.

Mr Penter said: "We feel for the first time that they are being more positive and hopefully this will protect residents in the future.

"If there is an application residents will be informed and will be able to express any opinions."

Previously the council had been criticised for being too negative, conceding that there was little they could do about the mast problem.

Other proposals outlined by the council include:

Lobbying MPs and other bodies requesting that masts are subject to full planning procedure.

Discouraging masts on council land where the beam of main intensity falls on a sensitive area, such as a school or hospital.

Encouraging suppliers to share masts.

Alan Hodkinson, Director of Development Services at Vale Royal Borough Council said: "We are all conscious that there is a particular problem with these masts and it is better to be safe than sorry."

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