A PLANNING application to erect mobile telephone masts above one of the stands at Turf Moor has been rejected by Burnley Borough Council.

The application, submitted by BT Cellnet, was to erect nine antennas and two transmission dishes to be attached to two poles on the Jimmy McIlroy Stand.

A residents association, Fulledge Community Group spoke at a meeting of development committee at the Town Hall. More than 20 members attended and opposed plans. They had fears for public safety and concerns over the levels of radiation emitted by mobile telephone masts.

One of those who spoke against the application was Margaret Nelson, of Thursfield Road.

She said: "We know it is only a first step. They said at the meeting that they will probably get permission in the end.

"However we are pleased, very pleased. It is up to them now. We expect that it will go to appeal, but we will keep fighting it and we will keep fighting the football club.

"The club already have telephone masts from another telephone company. If they get planning permission for nine more, where will it end?

She hopes that theinitial rejection of the plans will persuade Burnley Football Club and BT Cellnet to drop the plans.

A spokesman for BT Cellnet said: "We have a very urgent need for an additional site in Burnley. As far as this application goes, we will get a brief following on from the meeting and then we will reconsider our position.

"We are disappointed this one has been turned down because we thought it the best option available."