AN APPLICATION to put a mobile phone mast on a York water tower which was unanimously rejected by councillors has been overturned on appeal to the Government.

City of York Council threw out proposals to add three antennae and a pole-mounted dish to the Severus Water Tower, in Sowerby Road, Holgate, in January 2003, because they believed it would be an eyesore.

Residents submitted a 200-signature petition objecting to the plans, supported by York MP Hugh Bayley.

The 28-metre structure already has 19 dishes and 15 antennae attached to it. But a government inspector ruled that the council did not have sufficient grounds to turn down the plans.

Mr Bayley has now written to Kevin Whiteman, chief executive of tower owner Kelda Group, to ask him if it would prevent any further telecommunications equipment being put on it.

Mr Bayley said: "I very rarely express views about planning matters, but I did think in this particular case that enough is enough.

"People want mobile phones to work effectively, but a balance has to be struck between the necessary aerials and the perfectly reasonable views of residents in the neighbourhood."

Mr Bayley is awaiting a response.

A Kelda Group spokesperson said: "With the exception of inquiries that might be received from the emergency or health services, it is unlikely that Yorkshire Water will permit any new users on the tower.

"However, from time to time, the existing operators may want to install additional individual items of equipment. Approval to install such equipment will be reviewed, as requested, subject to the operator obtaining any required planning consents."

Holgate councillor Martin Bartlett said he was surprised the city council felt it had grounds to reject the application, particularly with policy to limit masts to existing sites if possible.

"Nobody seems to know what too many is," he said. "If I was living there, I don't think I would be too happy."

Last week, the Evening Press reported that York residents were fighting an application by O2 for a mast on the junction of Heslington Lane and Broadway, Fulford, backed by Selby MP John Grogan and councillors Keith Aspden and Andy D'Agorne.

The 40ft high mast was turned down by councillors in 2001 but, without the knowledge of neighbours, it too was approved on appeal. The new application is to upgrade the mast for 3G coverage.

Updated: 08:26 Thursday, February 05, 2004