CONCERNED residents have objected to a request to scrap regular monitoring of emissions from a mobile phone mast.

Planning permission for the 22.5m mast at Green Lane, Spennymoor, was granted last August, but councillors imposed a condition that a survey was carried out every six months to confirm it is operating within international guidelines.

Now mast operators Crown Castle say new Government advice means the condition is no longer necessary.

Planning officers at Sedgefield Borough Council agreed, claiming the debate over health issues had moved on.

Speaking at a development control meeting on Friday, Steve Barker said: "We have to accept the case that's presented to us. The ministry states clearly that if the proposed development meets the guidelines, local planning authorities should take that at face value and not investigate health related matters in any further detail."

But James Burtenshaw, speaking on behalf of the Green Lane Residents Association, presented a petition against the proposal.

He said: "Crown Castle chose to erect this mast close to our residential properties, we didn't ask them to put it there.

"They are therefore accountable to the residents for their actions and it is essential the residents are kept informed of the electro-magnetic levels."

Coun Martyn Locklin and Coun Agnes Armstrong backed the residents.