MOBILE phone giant T-Mobile is appealing against a decision not to allow it to put up a mast in Bolton.

Members of the Bolton Council's planning committee threw out an application by the telecoms company to install a 12 metre high mast on a grass verge in Chorley Old Road, opposite McDonald's by the Doffcocker roundabout earlier this year.

In April councillors rejected the application, saying that it was out of character with the local area.

Now T-Mobile has announced that it is planning an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate to overturn the planning decision.

Local ward councillor Richard Silvester said: "I spoke at the planning committee on behalf of residents against the application.

"The planning committee decided that the monopole would be visually intrusive and would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

"Residents in the area are totally against this proposal and it would be sited directly opposite a row of houses.

"I have supported residents throughout their campaign and will continue to do so and will be submitting my own views to the planning inspector as a ward councillor."

The appeal is expected to be heard later this year and people have until August 27 to submit their views to the planning inspectorate.

Cllr Silvester added: "Residents in the area are concerned about radiation coming from the mast. But, under the government guidelines which we use to decide such matters, the planning authority and committee cannot take those concerns into account.

"But we feel that, if we have a strong case on the planning grounds, then it can be taken into consideration.

"The Planning Inspectorate turned down an appeal by the same company to site a mast in Moss Bank Way, which is just around the corner from this site, because it would have been a physical manifestation'.

"I think those grounds apply even more so in this area, which is much more built up."

Anyone wishing to make a representation should make it, in writing to the Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/18A Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, B51 6PN before August 27.

T-Mobile was unavailable for comment.