NEW laws giving residents a say on the location of mobile phone masts are being backed by a North Yorkshire MP.

A shake-up of planning regulations put forward by Conservatives would mean all mobile phone masts would require full planning permission.

At present, local councils can only advise on the location - central government inspectors have the final say on masts.

Councillors would also be allowed to take health concerns into account, particularly near homes, hospitals and schools, which are prohibited by national planning guidance.

Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh said: "The erection of poorly-located masts has been causing some disquiet across the Vale of York.

"There is a presumption in favour of development inherent in the current planning system, which overrides local, environmental and safety concerns.

"We all want to be able to use a mobile phone, but this doesn't mean masts should be constructed without any regard for the well-being of local people.

"Local councillors, answerable to local residents via the ballot box, should have the final say on the best location for any new masts."

An estimated 100,000 more masts could soon be sited across the country, as a result of 3G mobile technology, the Tetra police communication system and new Network Rail masts.