COMMUNICATIONS giant One-2-One has been given permission to put up a 12-metre mast at the BT Exchange at the back of Yelverton Fire Station despite objections from local residents who claim it would be an eyesore and a danger to health.

Dartmoor National Park Authority received nine letters from people worried about health and safety aspects. And they said the mast could cause interference with the sound systems in the adjacent church.

They suggested it should be located on the moor outside Yelverton's residential area.

Permission was granted by Dartmoor National Park Authority at last Friday's meeting on the condition the mast and cabin were removed from the site when redundant.

A planning officer's report stated: 'While it is acknowledged that there is ongoing debate and research into the effects of such installations, current government advice is that, under normal operating guidelines, there is no general health risk to residents.

'It should be noted that the mast is located approximately 60 metres from the nearest residential property.'

The mast will be 0.5 metres higher than an existing tower. Three cross polar antennae and a single microwave dish will be attached to the pole.

One-2-One has also been given permission to build an equipment cabin at the site.