WHEN workmen arrived to begin putting up a telephone mast opposite their homes, residents were more than a little bewildered – knowing it had already been refused planning permission.

But confusion soon turned to anger as it emerged the company was within its rights after the planning authority failed to serve a refusal notice within the allotted time.

“We are furious with the council and we all feel the same on this row of houses as we will have to look at the mast every day," said householder Leonard Taylor.

The concerned residents in Great Ayton claimed that when they called Hambleton District Council, officials were unable explain why the work was going ahead despite its refusal of planning permission.

But ward councillor Ron Kirk said the council had missed a 56-day deadline to serve a refusal notice on the application – meaning the telecommunications firm was able to go ahead with the work.

“We have no authority to take any action now and the company are within its rights to proceed," he said.

“The responsibility lies with Hambleton District Council and I am very annoyed and concerned that the mast is in an inappropriate position.

“The reasoning behind the rejection of the proposals came down to amenity and how the mast would affect the look-out of the properties.

“I agree that Great Ayton needs additional coverage but the mast needs to be built in the right place.”

Telecommunications company CTIL and Telefonica UK Ltd applied in 2016 to put up a mast on the land to the east of Langbaurgh Ridge, Guisborough Road, by the side of the A173.

The application was met with fierce opposition from residents, together with Great Ayton Parish Council.

Residents who will overlook the new mast have launched a petition objecting to the work.

Mr Taylor, of Guisborough Road, added: “Along with the Parish Council we objected strongly to the plans in 2016, so to turn around and say the council made a mistake and the refusal does not stand is ridiculous.”

A spokesman for the council said it was aware of the issue and is currently investigating the matter.

The Northern Echo made several attempts to contact CTIL and Telefonica UK Ltd for comment but both failed to respond.