A TELEPHONE mast is likely to be installed in a residential area of Darlington, despite people's claims that it contravenes their human rights.

Communication company Hutchinson 3GUK, will install the mast in Abbey Road after councillors, meeting today, will be told they have no jurisdiction over its siting.

The company wants to build the mast to establish a network for third generation mobile phone services.

After Darlington College of Technology and the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College refused to allow the equipment on their land, the company decided to build the mast inside a chimney on a property in Abbey Road.

But nearby residents have written to Darlington Borough Council complaining about the mast, saying it would be both dangerous and unsightly.

One resident, Denis Wiles, said: "A telecommunications mast immediately to the front of our property will contravene my human rights. My family is entitled to the right to respect for private and family life and the right of peaceful enjoyment of our property.

"As a consequence of the pervasive nature of emitted radiation, it is potentially a hazard to the health of my family and will cause a reduction to the value of the property."

Mr Wiles went on to say the mast was close to Darlington college and a nursery, and as such contravened the independent Stewart Report which suggested a precautionary approach when phone masts were positioned near schools or homes.

But in his report, council officer Andrew Harker said that the Government had advised that planning authorities should not decide whether mobile phone masts were safe, and if an applicant met international guidelines on limiting exposure to radio waves it should be approved.

The spokesman said: "The applicant considers that siting the equipment at Abbey Road was the only available option to providing coverage in this area. It is considered that the proposal would not have a detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the surrounding residential areas.

"The applicant has investigated other possible sites in line with Government guidance, and whilst the objectors' concerns have been acknowledged, the proposal complies with the guidelines relating to health issues."

Mr Harker concluded that the council did not need to give approval to the scheme and so it could be allowed to proceed.