A MOBILE phone mast will be increased in size despite opposition from residents.

The mast already towers over homes in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, and a planning application granted yesterday will increase the height by five metres.

The planning committee at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said the application was granted because it will be hidden by trees.

But residents in Gypsy Lane, whose garden fences stand only yards from the properties, fear for their health due to possible harmful emissions.

In council documents it was stated that there had been reports of "unusual health phenomena" including "a baby being born with a tumour and a high incidence of progressive deafness".

Bill Watson, chairman of the residents' group Nunthorpe Forward, said hearing problems and other illnesses had caused concern.

He said: "We are very worried about the mast as it stands, but for it to be replaced with an even bigger one is distressing.

"We are in fear of our health and want this mast moved."

The council were inundated with objections to the mast, including a 118-signature petition.

Councillors also voiced their objections, based on the close proximity of homes - within 20ft.

Councillor Peter Spencer, planning committee chairman, said yesterday that, although residents' concerns were appreciated, there were not enough grounds to refuse.

The structure, which stands 15 metres, will be replaced with a 20-metre mast to accommodate both the 3 and T-Mobile networks.

Ian Swales, Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Redcar, is backing the residents. He said: "Research is increasingly showing health risks associated with these masts."

Coun Spencer said: "The application was approved as the structure is reasonably well-screened by the trees."

"Although we appreciate residents' concerns, that isn't enough within our remit to refuse solely on that basis."

In a statement to The Northern Echo, T-Mobile said: "Based on over 40 years of research, T-Mobile is confident that its base stations, operating within strict national and international guidelines, do not present a health risk to any member of the public."

Liberal Democrat parliamentary prospective candidate Ian Swales is bitterly disappointed the application has been approved.

He said last night: "There is growing concerns worldwide over health risks associated with mobile masts.

"It is recommended that local authorities should take a precautionary approach towards these applications.

"In this case there was ample enough room in the area, away from residential settings, for this extended mast.

"I am extremely disappointed with the committee and its reasoning for the approval."