CONTROVERSIAL plans to site a 20-metre mobile phone mast near a primary school were discussed by Chorley councillors this week.

The proposal -- at Greenbank Farm, Wigan Road, Clayton-le-Woods -- is just over 100 metres from Lever House Lane Primary School, Farington.

Mobile phone giants Orange want the tower to fill mobile phone coverage deficiencies north and east of Farington and north of Clayton-le-Woods.

But current uncertainty over the long-term health effects of mobile phone masts has led to objections from parents and councillors.

The issue was due to go before Chorley Borough's development control committee on Tuesday evening.

South Ribble Borough Council is also involved as the proposed development affects that authority's area too.

South Ribble Councillor Mark Alcock, whose Farington ward covers Lever House Lane Primary, said: "In the 'Stewart Report' last year it was recommended that we should not put telephone masts on land near schools because of the potential health risks.

"Until the facts are proved one way or another we must be on the side of caution."

South Ribble Borough Council has also expressed reservations about the proposals due to the adverse visual impact of the mast on the area.

The construction would be a 20m high lattice tower fitted with six antennae and four dishes bounded by a barbed wire fence.

Currently the Government is encouraging the use of existing buildings and mast sharing to keep to a minimum new masts. It also recommends that mobile phone operators should look carefully at materials, colours and design to minimise obtrusiveness.

But John Ward, the owner of the field where the proposed mast is to be sited, supports its construction and has written to the council to urge it approve the plans.

He said: "Orange will put the mast somewhere so they may as well put it on my land and I get paid for it."

He added: "There is more harm in the handsets than in the masts and if people don't want masts people should get rid of their mobile phones."