A COUNCIL has apologised after an administrative error led to a telephone firm securing planning permission for a 15m-high mast, despite the proposals having been thrown out by officers.

Amid opposition from nearby residents, Durham County Council refused Telefonica O2 consent to build a mobile phone mast near the Co-op car park, on Carr House Drive, Newton Hall, Durham City, in May.

However, council chiefs today admitted they failed to notify the firm within a 56-day deadline - meaning planning consent was granted, against their wishes.

Stuart Timmiss, the council’s head of planning, said: "We would like to apologise to local residents and to assure them that we are continuing to work with the company to limit the impact as much as possible."

The council did not have powers to stop the mast being built but it did have some influence over its height and design, he added.

Mr Timmiss described the outcome as ‘unfortunate’.

Neighbours reported work beginning on the mast some weeks ago.

Hazel Hope, a mother-of-two who lives nearby, said: "I can’t believe the council has made this mess up.

"It’s near three schools, on the footpath and very close to housing. Everybody in the area’s going to be horrified that the council has let this happen on such a sensitive issue."

She said the mast was not needed as there was another nearby and its location was downright stupid. She also raised health concerns over the mast.

A spokeswoman for Telefonica O2 said base stations had to be installed close to customers and a need had been identified to improve 3G network coverage in Newton Hall.

She said: "We have looked at alternative sites suggested by the local planning authority but these have not proved to be suitable. As such we have now started to build this site."

The firm says all base stations are designed, built and run according to international health guidelines.

In June, the firm said it was considering all potential options after being refused planning permission to erect masts in the Gilesgate Moor, Belmont, Neville’s Cross and Stockton Road areas.

O2 won permission for a 15m-high mast at St Giles service station, in Gilesgate, in March.