A VICAR is leading a campaign against a phone mast scheme in Great Ayton.

The Rev Paul Peverell also hit out at the siting of a planning notice which he claims could easily be missed by residents. To mobilise objections, the clergyman has written to and e-mailed people telling them of the One2One application.

The firm wants to put a 12.5m mast on BT land behind the police station in Guisborough Road. Hambleton council planning officers have not raised any objections, and Mr Peverell fears councillors will give the scheme the go-ahead when they meet on Thursday.

"They will not go against officers' advice unless swayed by public opinion," he said. "But the notice for this mast was displayed up the side of the BT site where only vigilant dog-walkers would see it and so it was nearly missed by residents.

"The application also came right on Christmas when people are busy with other things."

Mr Peverell, vicar of Christ church in the village, said he had not seen the notice, despite walking his dogs past it. He said the mast would be right in the middle of a residential area and adjoining a conservation area which features two listed buildings, the 12th century church of All Saints' and Christ church.

"It will impact on the beautiful skyline view from the fields which encompass the churches, Captain Cook's monument and Roseberry Topping," said the vicar.

"The spire stands out as a landmark from roads into Ayton and it looks as though it could be competing with a pole and satellite dishes. No-one is against mobile phones, but there are already two masts either side of the village.

"Residents should be asking the planning committee whether an historical and picturesque area should be spoiled by another when there is already a facility which could be used."

Mr Peverall is urging residents to oppose the application. "Don't allow One2One to sneak this through," he said.

The planning department at Hambleton has already had 33 letters of objection from people who fear there could be health risks associated with the mast as well as on aesthetic grounds. The parish council has also lodged an objection.

A scheme for a 15m mast on a prominent site north of the telephone exchange was rejected four years ago after planning officers said it would harm the historic landscape and roof-scape of Great Ayton.

Planning officers say the new site behind the police station is less prominent, and the effect of the mast would be mitigated by its grey colour and partial screening offered by the exchange building and surrounding trees.

A report acknowledge that residents' health concerns are valid, but says present government advice is that planning authorities should continue to deal with such applications on the basis of current legislative and policy guidance.

Mr Peverell asks villagers to write to Hambleton council planning department at the Civic Centre, Stone Cross, Northallerton DL6 2UU before Thursday