A PLAN for a new 40ft mobile phone mast in Laverstock has caused uproar amongst residents who claim it would be a health hazard, a danger to wildlife and a blot on the landscape.

Phone company Vodafone has applied for planning permission to site the mast on land owned by Salisbury District Council at Cow Lane, within 100m of homes and close to both Chafyn Grove and Godolphin schools.

A council spokesman said the council has not made any indication to Vodafone if its land could be used in that way.

The debate over whether mobile phone mast emissions are safe has been raging for many years.

Some studies suggest they can cause a wide range of health problems from mild nausea to cancer, but the Government maintains they are safe and that radiation emissions are well below recommended limits.

  • For an in-depth report see the July 24 edition of the Salisbury Journal