A 12-METRE-HIGH telecommunications mast could be set up within a Wharfedale village's conservation area.

Telefónica UK Limited and Vodafone Limited want to build a radio base station at Avenue des Hirondelles, Pool-in-Wharfedale.

The companies say the station is needed to improve mobile phone coverage in the area as part of their network improvement programme.

The scheme would include the installation of a12-metre lattice mast, two antennae, two dishes and wo electrical cabinets on a concrete base.

The Harlequin Group, acting as agents for broadcast infrastructure owner Arqiva, has contacted Pool ward councillors to seek their views about the proposal.

Its letter says: "Telefonica UK Limited and Vodafone Limited are in the process of progressing a suitable site in the Pool-in-Wharfedale area for a radio base station.

"We aim to work with you to progress a proposal that is both acceptable to your authority and meets Telefonica and Vodafone Limited's technical network requirements.

"As part of Telefónica UK Limited & Vodafone Limited's continued network improvement programme, there is a specific requirement for a radio base station at this location.

"Mobiles can only work with a network of base stations in place where people want to use their mobile phones or other wireless devices. Without base stations, the mobile phones and other devices we rely on simply won’t work."

Cllr Barry Anderson (Con, Adel and Wharfedale) has been gauging local opinion.

He said: "Residents have expressed concern.

"They are concerned about this being in the conservation area, about access to Avenue des Hirondelles, from a highways perspective, and about visual intrusion.

"They are also concerned about overlooking, about previous applications being turned down and are asking if any other locations have been evaluated and discounted.

"However, on the positive side, some residents have welcomed the proposal on the basis it will increase coverage in the Pool area. One resident also feels there must be other benefits, and that they should have included these in their pre-application."

Residents can e-mail Cllr Anderson at Barry.Anderson@leeds.gov.uk with their thoughts about the application.