COUNCILLORS are to take a closer look at plans to increase the height of a T-Mobile phone mast in Great Budworth.

The operator is seeking approval to add a 5m extension to its 15m tower, on Green Belt land next to Belmont Hall, and replace the six 2G antennas with three 2G and three 3G.

Parish councillors, conservationists and neighbours oppose the plans.

Great Budworth Parish Council says it has ‘grave concerns’ about the visual impact on the tree canopy.

The village Amenity Society also feels it would be intrusive. Neighbours at Garden Cottage, 75m from the installation, say they are ‘seriously concerned’ about increased health risks and that Cransley School is within 400m.

Planning officers at say the upgrade is acceptable as the basic installation in a heavily wooded copse already exists. They say it is preferable to another mast in Green Belt.

But planning committee chairman Cllr Ralph Oultram says the decision should be deferred to enable a site visit to take place.