A COUNCILLOR says a mobile phone company has been allowed to put up a phone mast without a debate.

Vodafone UK has been given permission to put up the mast near Tesco in Coggeshall Road, Braintree.

Eric Lynch, who represents Braintree east on Braintree Council, said councillors should have been notified.

He said the application was identical to one for a T-Mobile mast in Coggeshall Road in 2007, which was not agreed.

He said: “It was definitely agreed we would not agree to the siting of these poles on approaches to any town centres.”

Planning officer Ian Harrison said officers granted prior approval because the mast was not in a conservation area.

Vodaphone’s Dr Rob Matthews said it consulted the council, ward councillors and a nearby school, and put up notices prior to the application.