A giant telecommunications mast will go up on a Basildon estate - despite growing fears the aerials can cause cancer.

Councillors controversially sidestepped public concerns to give the go-ahead to the mobile phone mast after admitting their hands were tied by the law.

Scientific research on the subject is still incomplete. However, studies in America are beginning to show the masts could pose a danger to public health.

County chiefs have refused to allow the masts to be built on school land owned by the county council.

Telecommunications giants Orange and Vodafone will share the aerial when it goes up in Gibcracks, Basildon.

The decision was blasted by former telecommunications manager and Fairview Road resident Roy Richardson.

He told councillors: "There is growing evidence that there is a link between the transmitters and a number of different types of health hazards such as cancer.

"There is a lot of research going on to quantify the degree of dosage that will cause harm. In the USA there is a strong recommendation not to place the transmitters near homes and schools.

"In the UK the research and monitoring is three or four years out of date."

One resident, who did not want to be named, said he would sell his home rather than risk his family's safety.

The aerial will improve mobile phone coverage in Basildon.

With no sound legal grounds to refuse the application, councillors said quashing the application could cost Basildon taxpayers.

Rochford Council will have to shell out tens of thousands of pounds in legal fees after vetoing applications it was legally bound to accept.

Basildon's Labour councillors recently overturned three planning decisions made at a Wickford area committee, fearing similar repercussions.

Councillor Ken Adlam, chairman of the central Basildon area committee, said: "I wish we could do something but our hands are tied by the law."

Council leader John Potter added: "We've got to act within the framework of the law.

"If we turn it down on grounds that are not on planning issues then the applicant will go to appeal and we will almost certainly lose, which will cost Basildon taxpayers."

Councillors gave the go-ahead to allow the town centre's west pavilion to be used as a food outlet.

The glass pavilion, which was earmarked for retailing, has been without a permanent tenant since going on the market in February.

It is hoped the decision will improve the chances of the pavilion being let.

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