A PROPOSED 17.5 metre high mobile phone mast in Leathley would create an 'eyesore' for miles around.

That is the claim being made by Pool-in-Wharfedale Parish Council in its objection to a scheme that has been submitted for land at 9 Castley Lane.

The application from Clarke Telecom, currently with Harrogate Borough Council, is for a monopole column with three antennas and other equipment to form a radio base station for Telefonica.

In its supporting letter Clarke Telecom states that a number of other sites, including the rooftops of the Methodist Church and St Wilfrid's Parish Church at Pool, were considered but found to be unsuitable.

Lower Washburn Parish Council, however, which like Pool is objecting, says an alternative, less conspicuous location must be found.

The council's objection states: "Some of the sites considered by the applicant have been rejected because of the impact on the visual amenity.

"The proposed site will have an even greater impact on the visual amenity of Castley Lane, and the surrounding countryside.

"The proposed mast infrastructure is harmful to the visual amenity, at 17.5 metres high - over three times the height of local farm buildings, towering above the adjacent houses, on flat land in a flood plain and in the green belt."

It goes on to complain that the parish council has not been consulted properly, and concludes: "This application should be refused.

"Further consideration should be given to less conspicuous sites near Pool along Arthington Lane or Pool Road."

Pool's objection, meanwhile, says: "The mast will be sited on the boundary of the parish and councillors believe its installation is detrimental to the village.

"The mast will be an eyesore that will be seen for miles, its location near housing is unsuitable and inappropriate.

"It will be environmentally damaging in the chosen location and should be sited on higher ground away from housing, and where it would normally be screened in some way from view.

"The council believes this is an unsuitable development in an unsuitable area."

One Castley Lane resident has also lodged an objection so far, and argues that the mast "should be built well away from houses and preferably on high ground, which the proposed site certainly is not".