A BIG question mark still hangs over a police telecommunications mast at Chandler's Ford which was at the centre of a planning blunder.

We revealed how the application for the Tetra mast at the Chandler's Ford Industrial Estate had been mistakenly sent to Eastleigh Borough Council.

But then when officials examined the map they discovered the mast, which had been put up without planning permission, stood in Test Valley and not Eastleigh.

Now Test Valley Council's southern area planning committee has by nine votes to one given the thumbs down to the application. But this is not the end of the story.

Because it was recommended for approval by council planning officers, it has to be referred to the planning control committee for a final decision.

The mast has sparked a storm of local protest with a 139 signature petition and letters of objection.

Leading campaigner and local resident Ian McQueen said: "The mast can clearly be seen towering above the trees and I would argue that this does seriously affect the amenity of residents, particularly those in Forth Close, Hodder Close and Wandbeck Close."

Speaking at the planning meeting, Mr McQueen also referred to numerous reports of TV inteference in the area.

On the question of potential health risks, he said: "The knowledge of its existence has caused real concern among the local community.

"There are many pre-school children who live close to the mast and would be subjected to its potentially dangerous emissions up to 24 hours a day."

Councillor Steve Cosier said: "A full investigation should be implemented to gauge the full affects of interference with residents' quality of life."

But councillors were told that the Steward Report on health risks from telecommunications installations had concluded - "The balance of evidence indicates that there is no general risk to the health of people living near these base stations."