LAST-ditch talks will be held tomorrow over controversial plans to build a mobile phone mast near schools and homes.

As reported in The Northern Echo today, Telefonica O2 gained planning permission to build a 15m-high mast near the Co-op car park, in Carr House Drive, Newton Hall, Durham City, after Durham County Council failed to notify the firm of its decision to refuse consent within a 56-day deadline.

The council apologised for what it called the ‘administrative oversight’ and said it was working with the company to limit the mast’s impact.

Today, Newton Hall councillor Amanda Hopgood - who objected to the scheme, said: "The people of Newton Hall will have to live with this monstrosity for years to come."

However, Coun Hopgood said she hoped to persuade Telefonica O2 to build the mast elsewhere during on-site talks scheduled for Wednesday.

It should be built somewhere less intrusive and where there is more need for better mobile phone coverage, she said.

Telefonica O2 says base stations must be installed near customers and a need had been identified to improve 3G network coverage in Newton Hall.