PLANS to install a controversial phone mast on a mill chimney in Briercliffe have been thrown out by councillors.

Last night Burnley Council's development control committee rejected proposals for the mast at King's Mill, in Queen Street, on the grounds of the perceived health risks and the impact it would have on the heritage of the area.

The application by Hutchinson 3G UK Ltd was met with opposition from residents who raised concerns about the potential health risks and visual impact of the mast in a conservation area.

The meeting in the town hall was attended by a number of residents including founder member of Together Against Masts, Dennis Cannon.

He told the meeting that, while much of the evidence surrounding heath risks of phone masts was anecdotal, planning applications for masts can be rejected because of perceived health concerns.

Pregnant resident Gillian Bortoft also told the meeting she was concerned for the health of her unborn child and two children.

She said: "I personally live 100 metres from the chimney and when I look out of my bedroom window I am faced with this.

"I would have to live with this and I believe my family's health could be put at risk.

"My unborn baby and children must be protected because they cannot speak."

Samantha Crosby, a representative from Hutchinson 3G, said the antennas and dish would be painted the colour of the chimney to minimise its visual impact and the mast would be 26,000 times under national emission guidelines used by the government.

She said: "The development has being designed to meet international standards and falls well within these standards.

"People being upset is not a ground for refusing planning permission."

Councillor Frank Cant said there was a lot of conflicting advice regarding decisions on masts.

He added: "The main concern is the health concerns. We have been bombarded with figures we do not know anything about."

Coun Roger Frost said the mast should be refused because the site is next to the Queen Street Mill which is a designated heritage site.

He said: "To me it's a scandal that someone can think they can plonk something like this at this site."