Shropshire Star

A new mobile phone mast for communications giant Vodafone is set to be built in Telford despite petitions and letters of objection from angry protesters.

Vodafone had applied for planning permission to erect an 11.5m mast at the junction of Marshbrook Way and Donnington Wood Way at Muxton.

Councillors at a meeting of Telford & Wrekin plans board last night gave it prior approval by just five votes to four.

Muxton ward councillor, Viv Verster, spoke at the meeting to voice residents' objections to the plans.

She said: "Thirty years ago everyone smoked, and now we know the risks."

However, in a report that went before councillors, government planning guidance was quoted that does not allow local authorities to refuse mobile phone masts on health grounds.