Last updated at 19:20, Thursday, 26 November 2009

MOBILE phone company Vodafone has failed in an appeal for a 55ft mast behind the TA Centre in Workington.

More than 70 people wrote to Allerdale council objecting and the application was turned down earlier this year.

Vodafone appealed, but this week the decision to reject the mast was upheld by Christopher John Checkley, an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities.

Mr Checkley visited the site last month and in his report, he said that main issue was that the mast would have had a damaging effect on the appearance of the area.

Mr Checkley added that an appropriate site nearby could be found.

Vodafone has also appealed against the refusal of planning permission for a 40ft mast on Salterbeck Road but a decision has yet to be made by the Planning Inspectorate.

First published at 19:23, Thursday, 19 November 2009
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk