VODAFONE has won permission to build a controversial 20-metre mast on an area of outstanding natural beauty at Edge on its second application.

Stroud District Council yesterday approved the go-ahead for the 3G mast and base at Jenkins Farm.

It dismissed health concerns, as the mast will be sited in open fields removed from homes.

Cllr Linda Durrans (Lab, Over Stroud) said: "Before we do a rerun of the debate masts are dangerous and harmful to our health, that is not the issue here and even if it was that is not a valid reason for refusal. "There is a way of not having masts and that is if you all put your phones in the bin."

Cllr Dennis Andrewartha (Lib Dem, Cam West): "I will not be voting against the application because it is well away from populated areas but my concern is that this will lead to a proliferation of many, many applications."

Principal planning officer John Longmuir reported that Painswick Parish Council supported the application because it served a need in the area on one of the best-positioned sites.

But Painswick and District Society, he said, objected on the grounds of visual impact on an area of outstanding natural beauty, arguing also that better technological solutions existed.

Mr Longmuir noted the mast would be visible only from the A46 and the farm road. A previous application to build a 22.5 metre mast on the site was refused last December after vocal opposition from some village quarters.

Vodafone reduced the mast size and brought in a hydraulic hoist to illustrate its visual impact.