A PROPOSAL for a 50ft high mobile phone mast to be positioned on land at Wellington's Blackdown Trading Estate near a church has been approved in principle by Wellington town councillors.

The plans submitted by telecommunication giants Hutchinson 3G UK, commonly known as 3, include placing a base station' with mast and antennae at the back of Scotts Lane in the grounds of the King's Church centre.

A majority of councillors thought it was appropriate to have the mast on a trading estate but voted for it to be moved from the corner to a better position on the estate.

Cllr John Clark said: "It seems to me to be in an inappropriate position. I think it will stand out like a sore thumb. There are two masts already in place at the end of Scotts Lane and it would seem more appropriate somewhere up that end."

However Cllr Ross Henley was against the idea altogether and said: "I have been particularly concerned for years about the use of phone masts in this area.

"I think this is a completely inappropriate place.

"I won't support it. I don't accept that we should just move it along a bit - we would be doing people a disservice if we do this."

The amendment to move the mast to another area on the estate was passed and councillors approved the scheme.

The application will now go before Taunton Deane Council.