CAMPAIGNERS in a New Forest village have lost their battle to prevent a mobile phone mast being built next to an existing telecom tower.

The district council has approved a controversial application to install an 80ft mast at Cripplegate Lane, East Boldre - despite fears over possible health risks.

The application by Telecom Securicor Cellular Radio attracted 11 letters of objection and a 116-signature petition.

Worried residents told the development control sub-committee radiation emissions from an existing mast would double if a second tower was installed.

Council chairman Pat Wyeth also expressed concern about potential health hazards.

The government says there is no evidence that Britain's 50,000 mobile phone masts cause cancer and other diseases, but has commissioned new research into the subject.

Brockenhurst councillor Maureen Holding said the committee should await the outcome of the extra studies before determining the Telecom application and any future schemes.

"The government says we should approve these masts - but I have a gut feeling that we shouldn't," she said.

Totton councillor Robin Harrison and New Milton's Ben Earwicker complained the mast would be a blot on the landscape.

But a proposal to reject the application on the grounds that the 25-metre high transmitter would be visually intrusive was defeated 7-4.

A report to councillors referred to growing fears among the public that children's health can suffer if equipment which emits radiation is installed near their homes.

It added: "The National Radiological Protection Board acknowledges there are some concerns, but reiterates that emissions from radio masts are low and safe."

Earlier this year public concern forced Hampshire County Council to defer all new applications to install telecommunication masts on county-owned buildings and land.

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