ELM Ridge is to get a second mobile phone mast despite fears about the effect of radiation on young and old.

Darlington Borough Council planning committee voted by four votes to three to grant Hutchinson 3G UK permission to erect a 12.5m-high pole and cabinet at the junction of Carmel Road South and Coniscliffe Road near the Elm Ridge Garden Centre.

Twenty letters of objection were presented to Wednesday's committee raising fears of a radiation health hazard to three schools, two day nurseries, a church and local residents in the area

The head teacher of Raventhorpe Preparatory School said she was deeply concerned about the possibility of a second mast, doubling any potential danger to the children and the rest of the community.

Jeremy Smith, planning officer, said Hutchinson said the centre of the beam of intensity extended 309 metres but was 7,500 times lower than Government standards allowed.

The first mast on a nearby roundabout had been made to look like a street light.

Coun Charles Johnson asked if the committee would be held liable if it was subsequently found that the masts were not safe and posed a health hazard to children.

Council leader John Williams told him: "We would be liable for expenses and costs if we turn this down on health grounds."

Coun Jim Ruck said the application had generated a lot of concern in his ward.

He had talked to Hutchinson and had a map of the "footprint" radiation would make on the area.

The mast covered five schools, two nurseries and well over 1,000 children as well as retirement homes for the elderly.

The electro-magnetic waves were next on the scale to microwave ovens, which gave off very high, intense radiation.

People feared for the safety of their children and nobody knew what health hazards might be revealed 20 years down the line.

He asked the committee to consider locating it elsewhere, particularly as another mast had been rejected in Coniscliffe Road.

Coun Cyndi Hughes said it was reassuring to hear that the radiation level was lower than recommended.

"But there appears to be over -saturation on that particular site and there is nothing we can do to stop anyone else coming along and saying they want to put another one there."

Mr Smith said any future applications would be considered on their merits.