OPPONENTS of plans to erect a phone mast in Darlington have been given fresh hope that there is a way to block the project.

People campaigning against the proposal by communications company Orange to site a 11.5-metre mast in Coniscliffe Road were delighted when Darlington Borough Council refused permission for the scheme last November.

The planning committee made the decision on health grounds, because the mast would be near St Augustine's Primary School.

Orange appealed against the authority's decision.

Although those opposing the mast continue to hope that the Planning Inspectorate will make a landmark decision in dismissing the appeal, if this is not the case, they hope there is another way to block the project.

Bill Morehead, a former governor at St Augustine's School, wrote to Darlington MP Alan Milburn expressing his concerns over mobile phone masts. The letter was forwarded to Energy Minister Stephen Timms.

In his reply, Mr Timms says: "The siting of such telecommunications equipment is subject to the normal planning process. Also it is subject to the agreement of the landowner concerned."

Mr Morehead said: "I think Mr Timms seems to be saying the owners of the land should have the final say.

"Therefore, if the appeal was allowed then the council, as the landowner, could still refuse them permission."

A council spokesman said: "We would have to wait and see what the outcome of the appeal was before considering anything else."

Orange said it will review the situation once the outcome of the appeal has been announced, but a company spokeswoman said it was not clear whether the land in question was owned by the council or the Highways Authority.

Residents are against the mast being erected near the school because not enough is known about the long-term health effects of electromagnetic fields and waves, which young pupils would be exposed to on a daily basis.

Orange says it needs to extend radio coverage in the area and there are no alternative sites.

The Planning Inspectorate is expected to make a decision on the mast within the next six weeks.