A MARSHALSWICK councillor has decided to give up his right to vote against a massively controversial mobile phone mast scheme so he can speak out against it in the Review.

Councillors are not allowed to vote on planning applications they have already publicly commented on , but Councillor Salih Gagasuz told the Review: “I feel very strongly about this.

“For every expert who says there are no health risks in mobile phone masts there is another who disagrees.

“And this particular site – the corner of Gurney Court Road and Sanpit Lane - is the only bit of maintained green space in the area.

“A mast will be an eyesore and it will be dangerous as it will block the view of drivers.”

Mobile phone company Orange has been trying to erect a mobile phone mast on the spot since 2002, and says its proposals have generated a record number of objections.

Planning permission granted six years ago has now lapsed, and the company has made a fresh application due to be decided at a meeting of the Plans Central Committee, on which Councillor Gaygasuz normally sits, on April 6.

Residents' hopes that the company's needs could be met by a larger mast in Clarence Park were dashed when the council decided this would break the terms of the trust under which it manages the park.

But residents, supported by Councillor Gaygasuz, say the authority has not tried hard enough to find an alternative site, and have demanded details of all discussions with Orange under the Freedom of Information Act.

In its latest planning application, Orange says that alternative sites such as St Albans City train station would not provide adequate coverage while it has been unable to get landowners' permission for suggestions such as the roof of St Saviour's Church and a nearby scout hut.

It claims that the radiation will be well within international safety guidelines and there is “no substantiated evidence” of any danger to the health of the public.

The company adds adds that the visual impact will be minimal as the proposed mast will be the same height and colour of a lamp post it will replace.

The district council is trying to agree guidelines with the county council for an over - arching policy on siting mobile phone masts on publicly owned land .