LANDOWNERS who rent out sites for mobile phone masts are being warned to check legal agreements to ensure they do not lose the income.

Law firm Latimer Hinks, of Darlington, warned landowners might be at threat because of the current consolidation of the mobile telecoms industry.

The merger of mobile phone companies means that fewer masts will be needed and companies are said to be planning to decommission more than 13,000 such structures nationwide, the law firm said.

Many farmers and other landowners have enjoyed an income boost during recent years by renting out land to companies.

Latimer Hinks partner Neil Stevenson, who specialises in agricultural issues and commercial property, said: “Hard-pressed farmers have had to look at ways of diversifying to help balance the books and keep their agricultural business viable. Entering into lease agreements with mobile phone companies, allowing a mast to be positioned on their land, often had the potential to bring in far more money than if the land was used for farming.

“This type of lease agreement is often weighted heavily in favour of the phone companies.

“Even if the lease’s expiry date is several years away, it is possible that the company may have the right to walk away from the deal if they say the mast is now superfluous to their requirements, or if the site is no longer suitable for operational reasons.”

Mr Stevenson said the new arrangements might benefit some farmers in other ways.

“Some landowners may be able to charge a premium or extra rental if two companies want to share the same mast.

“However, what they are able renegotiate will depend on the details of the original legal agreement and I would, therefore, advise farmers who find themselves in this situation to seek the appropriate professional advice.”