A MOBILE phone company will be asked to submit a planning application to site a mast at one of the main entrances into Okehampton because of its impact.
The telecommunications panel of West Devon Borough Council has decided that a full application should be requested from T-Mobile because of the controversial siting of the mast at the Exeter Road Industrial Estate, which has provoked a petition from local residents.
On visiting the proposed location members of the panel felt the mast would be intrusive at this important town entrance.
In a recent Times article residents of the recently built Moorcroft Close said it would be an 'eyesore' and spoil the skyline of the low level development which was 90 metres away.
Cllr Denis Bater, who sits on the panel, said members were not too happy about the proposal and it was felt it should go before the planning committee where everyone could have their say.
'People can make written representations to the borough council in this case — normally they do not usually get the chance,' he said.
Mobile phone companies are only required to give notification of a new mast being sited but are asked to submit planning applications if the siting of them is particularly controversial.
The panel has also requested that T-Mobile consider siting the mast behind the hedge upon the land owned by the Cable Company on Exeter Road Industrial Estate.