PLANS for a massive mobile phone mast in a residential area of Burnley have been branded as completely out of order by newly-elected county councillor Marcus Johnstone.

He is backing residents in the Cornfield Grove area off Padiham Road who are calling for the local planning committee to throw out the application.

Worried residents contacted Coun Johnstone after learning that Orange and BT Cellnet had drawn up plans to build a 60ft mast "bristling with extra antennae" close to their homes.

If the plans are passed the mast will replace an existing 45 feet mast which was put up under permitted development without consultation with neighbours three years ago.

Self employed builder Stephen Wakeford of Laburnum Close said: "It is on land near to the bottom of my garden. Every window at the back of our house frames it.

"Other residents and the group Together Against Masts will be opposing it when it goes before the local planning committee on July 26."

He added: "We are concerned about possible radiation problems but on the health side it has caused stress to us.

"We have a £150,000 house and something like this at the bottom of the garden is bound to affect house prices."

County Coun Johnstone commented: "I was horrified when I saw the plans for this monstrosity.

"The proposal is completely out of order and I am supporting the residents all the way on this."

He added: "The new mast will be considerably taller that the existing one and unless the planning application is thrown out it will be built closer to Laburnum Cottages."

Residents were concerned about the adverse effects on health but were aware the application could only be thrown out on planning grounds.

County Coun Johnstone said: "I believe residents have a very strong case.

"The new mast is a complete eyesore in addition to to being potentially dangerous to people's health."

Nobody at Orange or BT Cellnet was available for comment.