CAMPAIGNERS against a communications mast in Yelverton scored a victory last week, when Buckland Monachorum Parish Council lodged an objection to the proposal.
At a planning committee meeting at Clearbrook Parish Hall, councillors objected unanimously to the application to replace an existing mast.
'The increase in height of the tower would have a dramatic visual impact at the gateway to Dartmoor, because the proposed cabin and pole would be clearly visible from the highway,' the council declared.
Parish clerk Elaine Simkins said the councillors had also objected on grounds of health and safety concerns, as there was 'a lack of information on the possible long-term effects of this type of radio transmission'.
She said: 'Until conclusive evidence of the safety of the system is available, the parish council is of the opinion that a cautious approach should be taken towards approval of this kind of installation.'
The proposed 15-metre high mast would be sited at the telephone exchange, on Princetown Road.
Opponents concerned the mast would be close to a residential area have collected dozens of signatures on a petition at Yelverton Stores.
Dartmoor National Park Authority, whose planning committee meets on October 4, has received twenty-four letters of objection.
The application is by CPS Global on behalf of Airwaves mm02 for equipment to be used by the emergency services.
Two years ago, residents opposed plans for a communications pole at the same site.