Mobile phone company giant Orange is looking to extend its network in York and proposing three sites for phone masts.

The company, through agents, Commpro Telecommunications Services, has applied to erect three dishes and six masts on top of the clock tower at Terry's chocolate factory in Bishopthorpe Road.

The application, which has gone for planning permission to City of York Council, has raised some objections from the Knavesmire Planning Panel.

The group has objected to another mast being erected in an area already full of masts and has raised concerns that it may make radiation levels higher than Government guidelines.

Area planner Roger Armistead said he had written to the agents requesting a survey of the concerns and said the proposals, although not compulsory, may go to committee.

Secondly, Orange has applied to the council for six masts and four dishes to add to those already on the York College of Further and Higher Education site.

The application will add to telecommunication masts at the college and, as yet, no-one has objected to the proposals.

Mike Floyd, deputy principal at York College, said: "The college has, for many years, accommodated public service aerials on the roof of its buildings in Tadcaster Road, including masts for the county's police service.

"Antennae currently in use include those for a number of mobile phone companies, of which Orange is one.

"Orange has applied for permission to upgrade existing facilities with additional antennae and microwave dishes. We are fully aware of their plans.

"Tests carried out by consultants for the college indicate that the equipment poses no health risk to students, staff or the general public."

The proposals come in the heat of a petition set up in the James Street area of York after residents raised concerns about further proposals from Orange to erect a 20-metre mobile phone tower near their shops and homes.

The latest proposals come a month after residents in Beckfield Lane, Acomb, lost their campaign to keep a phone mast away from their homes.

Updated: 11:29 Friday, April 27, 2001