THE public will be given more chance to voice their views about plans to build telecommunications mast.

Sunderland City Council has adopted new consultation procedures to be used when dealing with applications for planning consent for masts.

The move follows a Government proposal to introduce legislation to control the positioning of new masts.

This would include requiring local planning authorities to consult residents, nearby schools and colleges, and to extend the periods of consideration from 28 and 42 days to 56.

While waiting for the legislation proposals to be published, Sunderland City Council has adopted its own procedures.

Residents will have 14 days for comment on 28-day notifications, and 21 days for comment on 42-day notifications.

School and college governors within 200 metres of a proposed mast site will be consulted.

Chief development control officer Ron Nicholson said: "We have reorganised procedures to allow the public consultation the Government desires.