More than 100 campaigners took to the streets of Little Lever in Bolton to accuse T-Mobile of `riding roughshod over democracy'.
The mast is in the centre of the village near its war memorial and a bus stop. It is also just 100 yards from a primary school.
It was refused planning permission in April when councillors said it was not in keeping with the area. Planners also ruled that T-Mobile had not submitted radiation certificates.
But contractors erected the mast on Market Street.
The company claim the council failed to inform them of the refusal within a time limit set by law.
And the controversy is now only expected to be settled by a lengthy public inquiry, which could cost up to £20,000.
Protesters waving placards took to the streets to voice their anger. A petition is now being organised. Sean Hornby, chairman of Bolton's planning committee, said: "We refused them planning permission but they carried on regardless. They rode roughshod over the council and democracy."
It is an absolute eyesore."
Bolton south east MP Brian Iddon also addressed the crowds.
T-Mobile claim it did not receive confirmation that planning permission had been refused. But Bolton planning bosses said they have proof that a fax and a hard copy version of the decision were sent.
A T-Mobile spokesman said: "We are 100 per cent confidant that we have the legal right to build this mast."
What do you think? Have your say.
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Dennis Cannon (29/09/2007 at 10:49)
The planning rules for England and Wales allow for this Prior Approval category, unlike Scotland and Northern Ireland where full planning consent is required for all phone masts.
Several Private Member'[s Bills have been introduced, but each one has been talked out by the govenmnet Minister., such that this unfair status quo remains.
Further the ludicrous situation where people's health concerns are not taked into consideration in the planning process, even though this is their principle concer. The government sya that the planning consideration is not the place to consider hhealth aspects and that this is the responsibility of the govenment. Yet they choose to ignore the many studies that show adverse health effects, claiming in EVERY case that ech particular study is not a definitive proof. Where is the precautionary approach.
It is a pity that so many people are enamoured with their mobile phones that they choose to believe this propoganda.
TAM
GARFIELD (29/09/2007 at 12:31)
sallyg, Lancs (29/09/2007 at 12:58)
Rob (Manchester Against Road Tolls) www.manchestertolltax.com, Denton (29/09/2007 at 16:57)
polkyb (01/10/2007 at 00:24)
Probably all of them, but they'll be on Vodafone.
grandmabubble, Levenshulme Manchester (01/10/2007 at 11:36)