A RADIO station has won its campaign to keep a 40ft aerial despite installing it without planning permission.

Harrogate Borough Council issued an enforcement notice, ordering removal of the mast from a field alongside Old Church Lane, Pateley Bridge.

It had been build to improve reception for Fresh AM, the former Yorkshire Dales radio station, and should have been removed last September.

However, this week members of Ripon area planning committee of Harrogate council backed planning officer Jane Lurcuck and agreed it could remain for the next five years.

She felt a permanent mast would be unacceptable.

High and Low Bishopside Parish Council protested about the aerial being allowed to stay, saying it was an intrusion.

The radio station broadcasts over a wide area from Appleby and Middleton-in-Teesdale throughout the Yorkshire Dales and also covers Ilkley and Keighley.

Miss Lurcuck said temporary permission for five years would enable the situation to be reviewed and would ensure the aerial's removal should its need cease.

"On balance, it is considered the service provided by the aerial is important to the locality and outweighs protection of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty," said Miss Lurcuck.