The planning application for the telephone mast behind PC World in Old Shoreham Road, Hove, was approved because there was no reason to refuse it that could be upheld on appeal.

If Miss Knatt (Opinion, February 8) had been at the planning meeting when this was approved she would have heard the officers tell the committee that only a few months ago an appeal against refusal of a telephone mast on health grounds had been upheld by the planning inspector, resulting in costs against that council.

I am sure most, if not all, of the planning committee would like to stop the proliferation of these masts and refuse them planning permission. But to do so on a point of principle without planning reasons would result in costs against the council of many thousands of pounds. We would still end up with the mast and waste taxpayers' money.

I asked the committee to support efforts already made by the council to lobby the Government for a definite statement and up-to-date advice and planning guidance regarding the safety of telephone masts. Perhaps Miss Knatt might like to start a petition calling for this. I would happily sign it.

-Coun Heather James, St Aubyns, Hove