PASSERS-BY could be forgiven for taking a second glance at this mobile phone mast disguised as a fir tree at Stockton-on-the-Forest, York.
Plans for the disguised mast in Malton Road, were agreed by City of York Council last August after they were submitted by operator Mobile UK Limited - complete with the tree design.
Mick Britton, area development control officer, is eager to see the finished work.
He said: "We are keen to see how it turns out. It's the first one we have had put forward by any of the mobile phone operators. We'll see it in the flesh to judge for ourselves."
Masts worldwide are being disguised as windmills, chimney pots and trees to blend in with the landscape.
Paul Edwards, area assistant for the north-east area planning team, remembers seeing other disguises for phone masts in brochures.
He said: "It is becoming more common for that type of antennae or mast, as the market is developing whereby they are being disguised in some way."
The mast is not yet "live".
Updated: 10:34 Thursday, February 27, 2003
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