A TELECOMMUNICATION mast will be built in Woolfold, despite protests from hundreds of residents.

The plan was approved by Bury Council's planning committee on Tuesday (June 29) to erect the 15-metre 3G pole complete with six Vodaphone antennae, at Bury Plant Hire, in Whitelegge Street.

More than 500 residents living in and around Whitelegge Street, along with local businesses, signed a petition and submitted letters of objection to the mast which would tower over the street.

Mr Adrian Harding, senior planning officer for Bury Council, said: "There are no other masts in the area and the applicant has also signed a declaration that the tower will be operating within the European limits with regard to emissions.

"The mast would also be some distance from the houses. This is one of the better places to put the mast. The buildings on the site are not lived in. People use them for work, but they will not be there all the time like they would at home."

Coun Denise Bigg, who spoke at the planning meeting, said: "This is the wrong location for this mast. The committee seemed to be adamant that this is a commercial area, but there are residents' houses less than 50 metres away. This mast will be an eyesore and people will be able to see it from bedroom windows, even children.

"I am concerned about the health issues too and appalled at the decision. I have spoken to the nearby school, businesses and residents and I think that the decision had already been taken."