A MOBILE phone giant has got the green light to plant a huge mast in a village near York.

But the owner of a neighbouring property today said he was in limbo about the future of his tourist business.

Geoff Nurse believes his trade will plummet if the 15-metre T-Mobile pole is sited on the doorstep of his Osbaldwick holiday cottage, on the edge of the green belt.

He has rented picturesque Brook Nook to tourists for seven years.

He says putting the mast in the corner of a construction yard will scare off families and ruin his main income - especially after a new report called for a review of the planning process for base stations.

This week's study, by Sir William Stewart, has triggered fresh concerns about the safety of mobile phones, as the expert said he did not favour mobile masts being situated near schools.

Mr Nurse says this shows that York council's decision to pass the Osbaldwick plans should have been delayed until more facts are known.

City of York Council confirmed the proposal to site the mast at Murton Way was passed on December 21. As it was 15 metres tall applicants did not need planning permission.

Officers could object over location or design, but alleged health concerns or potential loss of value to property could not be taken into account.

A "gutted" Mr Nurse said he was still waiting for news on whether the construction company, William Birch and Sons, had agreed to allow the mast on their land.

"I'm in limbo at the moment," said the former Haxby garage owner. "It's a stalemate and the situation depends on my neighbour."

Mr Nurse, 63, said: "Mr Birch says he understands my concerns but it seems he doesn't want it in the middle of his own yard.

"There's a lot of mistrust about these masts that has been proved by the coverage about this week's report."

Mr Nurse said he would normally start advertising his cottage for summer - but he was not bothering this time.

Chris Birch, managing director of Birch and Sons, said discussions with T-Mobile were ongoing and his company was still assessing its options.

He said a decision could be made in a fortnight.

T-Mobile was not available for comment. But the company has said it works hard to reduce the visual impact of base stations.

Updated: 11:03 Friday, January 14, 2005