PLANNERS have refused to allow a mobile phone company to erect a mast in Sacriston.

Approval would have enabled the mobile phone operator to extend telecommunications technology coverage in Sacriston and the surrounding areas.

But members of Chester-le-Street District Council's planning committee disagreed with a report which urged them to support the proposal.

Members refused the application by Daly International to erect a 12m mast on Plawsworth Road on Sacriston Industrial Estate.

But they approved Vodaphone's application to install a mast on a grass verge on the A693 near the Ropery Lane and Newcastle Road roundabout.

Head of planning Tom Watson submitted a report to the committee recommending the Sacriston proposal should be approved.

He said: "In this instance the proposed development would be within an industrial estate and would have little impact upon any adjacent sensitive areas.

"The design of the scheme, including revised constructional specifications for the mast and equipment housing are considered to represent a form of development wholly acceptable for the proposed location.

"It is not considered the proposal would be so incompatible with the surrounding area to warrant the refusal of consent."

Mr Watson said that mobile phone mast applications were unpopular, especially when they were near housing and said applicants are encouraged to avoid such locations. Sacriston parish council objected to the plan on health grounds and said the mast would be too close to homes.

Vice-chairman of the committee Ralph Harrison said the decision was taken because of plans to dramatically upgrade the main road through the village.

He said: "It was the appearance of the Front Street scene that prompted the decision. We did not think there should be a pole less than 50m from the crossroads.

"The grand plan is to do up the main street in Sacriston and Durham County Council has awarded £180,000 to the scheme.

"The other mast is on the road between Chester-le-Street and Stanley and it is just like another lamppost and near an industrial estate so coverage is good for businesses and drivers who need to make a call."