A HUNDRED and one objections have been lodged against a 57-foot mobile phone mast planned for an Ulverston housing estate.

But South Lakeland District Council planning officers have recommended its planning committee allow Vodafone’s plans at a meeting on Thursday.

The controversial mast, with six antennas and equipment cabinets, is lined up for a green space at the corner of Central Drive and Oakwood Drive on the Croftlandsestate.

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Residents argue that such an ‘eyesore’ would be too near a string of shops, homes, three schools, a bus stop, and play area. They say it should go elsewhere because of the potential harm to human health.

However, the applicants state that the area suffers from a ‘4G coverage gap’ and it would improve services for Vodafone and 02 customers.

SLDC said tests carried out on 780 phone masts by Ofcom and the Radio Communications Agency found that none exceeded 0.005 percent of  the ‘specified radiation limit’.

Councils which have thrown out plans on public health grounds have tended to lose at appeal, planners added.

Thirteen other potential sites are said to have been ‘discounted’ and the council says the company has provided ‘evidence’  to show they are unsuitable.

Council planners acknowledge the mast would be ‘unmistakably different’ but said the company plans to make it look like a tall telegraph pole.

A council report said: “The revised design and appearance of the mast is considered to be an improvement.”

But residents said there is already a good mobile signal locally with five other masts in ‘in close proximity’.

“Disguising the mast as a telegraph pole will not overcome the visual impact. The community does not want it. These masts should be placed on a mountain top and not in a housing estate,” objectors said.

Ulverston Town Council ‘unanimously opposes’ the plan but two residents wrote in support.

Two years ago, the applicants sought to win permission in a process called ‘prior approval’.

The council refused permission but because its decision notice was issued a day too late – the mast was ‘deemed’ approved on a technicality.

However, it sparked an outcry among residents so the company put any plans on ice. It has now offered ‘local residents the opportunity to engage fully in the planning process,’ according to the SLDC report.