A PLANNED phone mast which residents successfully fought off because it might scar their view across Morecambe Bay is back in the news.

Phone company Vodaphone is once again seeking consent for then 18-metre high mast on the Shore at Hest Bank but this time disguised as a tree.

More than 250 residents petitioned against the planned mast last year.

Local people said they were utterly disgusted' when they realised the mast would be right in the centre of their view across the Bay. They feared it would blemish the picturesque scenery.

Vodaphone has now re-applied to have a mast disguised as a cypress tree installed at the same location on land at VVV Health and Fitness Centre.

In the current plan, the size of the mast is reduced but it has still prompted 13 letters of objection from local people.

They say the mast is only marginally smaller and will be more prominent than illustrations provided by Vodaphone suggest.

Others also cite concerns of health and safety.

Planning officers have recommended that permission for the mast be refused because it would be an alien feature' and out of character with the area.

Lancaster's planning committee will discuss the plan next Monday, February 21.