COUNCILLORS have granted permission for a temporary police communications mast to remain at Lyme Regis Golf Club until the end of this month.

Planning permission for the 22-metre high TETRA antenna expired at the end of May.

Last week operators Airwave MHO2 made a retrospective application to the district council to extend the operating period by three months until August 31.

Members of the development control west committee were told that Lyme Town Council opposed the application as did local residents. Even the golf club wanted it moved.

And chairman Owen Lovell said the company was "making a meal" of its being allowed temporary use of the site.

"I feel badly let down - but this is for the police," he added.

Development Services Manager John Greenslade said because the additional period had already nearly expired it was really only a paper exercise.

In fact, by granting the extension the committee could impose conditions requiring its removal and achieve a tactical advantage.

Coun Ron Coatsworth agreed.

"I think you might get rid of it more quickly if you approve this," he said.

The committee granted the extension imposing a condition that the mast must be removed within one month of the planning permission expiring.