COMMUNICATIONS firm BT Cellnet has unveiled plans for a 49ft mobile phone mast off the A68 West Auckland Road, near Heighington.

The lattice tower mast will be on land at Elm Grange, Houghton Bank.

Darlington Borough Council says permission is not required for the mast because it is a development allowed by Government.

The authority has 28 days to comment on the proposal and suggest changes.

Eric Thompson, chairman of Heighington Parish Council, said they were awaiting detail of the plan.

He said: "We don't generally like these things, but we realise they are necessary."

BT Cellnet says the mast will provide additional capacity and high-quality coverage for telephone users in the area.