OBJECTIONS are pouring in against plans to house a mobile phone mast near the centre of Blandford.

Aimed at enhancing their coverage within the area, 3G have lodged an application to erect a 20m-high telecom mast at the Telephone Exchange in Shorts Lane.

But the move has stirred concerns locally of a detrimental impact on the conservation area, possible health hazards and diminishing property values.

Residents raised such concerns at the recent Blandford Town Council meeting, to Phil Holdcroft, a planning engineer for Castle Hill Communications, whose application it is to site the mast.

One resident told the meeting the tall mast would ruin the north-west approach to the town centre over the bridge, which she described as "one of the most beautiful pastoral scenes we have left."

But he reassured them this site has been chosen because it is well screened and they are trying to limit the visual impact. He added that although they have looked elsewhere, they've been confined by the town's historic interest.

The new mast would cater for a third generation of mobile phones, offering video facilities.

Mr Holdcroft said the company is working within health and safety guidelines and that the mast is required, in addition to an existing mast in Shaftesbury Lane, to provide coverage for the town centre.

Blandford Town Council voted to object to the application on the grounds of its detrimental visual impact in the conservation area.

The application will be considered by North Dorset in November.

First published: October 28