COUNCILLORS are expected to officially express their disapproval of two separate plans to erect mobile telephone masts in a small north Durham community.

However, Derwentside District Council planning committee will not have the powers to prevent phone company One 2 One from going ahead with erecting one of the masts, in Burnopfield, under current law.

The issue has divided the village into two separate campaigns to fight against the plans.

More than 400 residents have signed a petition, and more than 60 sent letters to the council, in protest at plans to erect a mast near a school, at the Bryan's Leap area of the village.

In the other campaign, more than 700 people have signed a petition, and 40 sent letters to the council, protesting against plans for a mast at playing fields on the Lambton Gardens estate.

Planning officer Simon Le Jeune recommended that councillors refuse to give their blessing to either scheme in a report, but he acknowledged that the influence of the council was limited.

He said: "In submitting for prior approval, the operator is only seeking a determination from the authority as to whether the council is satisfied with the siting and appearance of the proposed mast."

He suggested that an alternative site may exist at Burnopfield Cricket Club. Councillors will discuss the matter at a planning meeting on Thursday.