AN angry father-of-four has accused Hyndburn planning chiefs of not giving people the chance to respond to plans to upgrade a mobile phone mast.

Ian Moorcroft, 32, of Queens Road West, who lives opposite St Christopher's High School, Accrington, where his 13-year-old daughter Kirsty is a pupil, criticised the council for assessing the planning application during the school holidays, while the pupils and teachers were away.

Mr Moorcroft has opposed the 15 metre high mast, which has has stood in the playground of the secondary school for the last eight years.

Telecommunications giant Orange applied for planning permission to add two extra dishes to the structure, and replace the existing two dishes and six antennae on August 2.

Letters were sent out to locals living in Queens Road West on August 10, with a deadline for any objections set at August 31, well before the beginning of the school term on September 4.

Mr Moorcroft said: "The reason why I am objecting is because I am very concerned about what is happening 20 metres from my home. Nobody really knows the effects of exposure to radiation and even though there has been one here for some years, I feel I have to speak up about the changes.

He added: "They put an A4 notice on the railing outside the school, which can only be seen if you are close up. It's just not good enough."

Council development control manager Brent Clarkson said: "I accept the letter was sent to residents during the school holidays, but the school has had the mast without complaint for some time.

"And as far as the health risks are concerned, the government has published draft guidance to planning authorities which says planning departments are not the place to consider health issues.

"And after all, it is only a fairly minor alteration."

Lancashire Education Authority said: "The governing body and trustees of St Christopher's own the school site and as landlords they are required by law to be consulted about any planning application that affects the school. We can confirm they have been consulted in writing."