WHITTON estate in Ipswich could soon have a ten-metre high phone mast dominating its skyline.An application has been received by Ipswich Borough Council, from Centac Ltd, to erect a mast looking like a huge telegraph pole.

WHITTON estate in Ipswich could soon have a ten-metre high phone mast dominating its skyline.

An application has been received by Ipswich Borough Council, from Centac Ltd, to erect a mast looking like a huge telegraph pole.

Destined for a grass verge in front of 202-216 Stratford Road, the mast would also have three dark green equipment cabinets.

A previous proposal to erect a 12.5m high pole was felt to be too high by residents of Stratford Road sheltered housing scheme who had the idea explained by a council officer.

It was refused on the grounds it would be an 'unduly prominent feature.'

No objections had been received when a report was written about the application and Monday was the deadline.

The report, due to be considered by councillors on Wednesday , says a 10m pole would be more in keeping with the height of surrounding houses because the nearest house's roof reaches 8.3m.

It states: "As with almost all telecommunications proposals, there is the aspect of health considerations.

"It remains central Government's responsibility to decide what measures are necessary to protect public health. In the Government's view, if a proposed mobile phone base station meets the guidelines for public exposure, it should not be necessary for a local planning authority …to consider further the health aspects and concerns about them."