PLANS for a 25-metre-high mobile phone mast near Pelaw has provoked a storm of protest.

Chester-le-StreetDistrict Council has received 525 letters of objection to the proposed mast, situated approximately 200 yards from homes in Pelaw Grange.

The construction would stand 10 metres higher than an average mobile phone mast.

The company behind the application, Hutchinson 3G, said the extra height is needed because it is being built so far away from the residential areas it is designed to cover and needs to overcome the surrounding hilly landscape.

The mast will have provision for two to three other antennae from other mobile phone companies to be added in the future, although planning permission would need to be granted for each additional one.

Hutchinson 3G said this is in accordance with Government guidance to limit the amount of mobile phone masts built.

But one protestor, who lives near the proposed site, said they were concerned about the side-affects of emissions from the antenna.

She said the independent Stewart report, which sets out guidelines in situating mobile phone masts, recommends a 'precautionary approach' to building masts near homes and schools until 'more robust, significant information' into the dangers is made available.

She said in the surrounding area there were residential areas, play areas, homes for the elderly and a school.

The protestor said: "A map has been submitted with the planning application showing the rearranged antenna so that the beam of greatest intensity does not fall directly on the school. But this mast is to have provision for not just one, but possibly several antennae in the future."

The campaigner, who has asked to remain anonymous, is so concerned she has dropped letters through the doors of residents, informing them of the plans.

This has resulted in the district council receiving hundreds of letters of objections. She has also started a petition, which so far has 20 signatures.

A spokesman for Hutchinson 3G said: "We work hard to try to provide the best solution for an area, which necessarily involves some compromise, but we do our work carefully and comply with very strict national guidelines endorsed by the government."

The plans will go before Chester-le-Street District councillors on Monday, December 9, at a meeting in the council chambers at 6pm.