A battle to stop mobile phone masts covering a York water tower has ended with the latest plans being thrown out.

Campaigners handed a 210-name petition to City of York Council urging them to halt plans to add four microwave dishes to the Severus Water Tower, in Holgate.

The tower already has 34 dishes and antennae fastened to it.

And councillors agreed to tell applicants One 2 One that enough was enough.

Campaigner Joyce Smith said: "This was built as a water tower but is being used as a communications tower in a dense residential area which is in close proximity to Poppleton Road school.

"This ever increasing number of dishes and masts is unacceptable to those living in the immediate vicinity."

Councillors' concerns included fears about the health effects of radiation, interference with TV and radio reception and detriment to the view of the area.

Experts claim there is no health risk from mobile phone aerials.

But Holgate ward councillor Liz Edge told the meeting she did not think enough research had been done.

She said: "I don't want to be advocating something today which my grandchildren will hang their heads in shame about in 20 years times."

And Coun Alan Jones said: "I am sure the experts are right, but there is a perception among the people of Holgate that these things are harmful to them.

"Whether there is any truth that there are medical risks or not, there is a great perception that the risks are there and we should say no to these dishes."

Councillors refused permission, stating that the application would be visually intrusive and detrimental to the area.

Only Liberal Democrat Quentin MacDonald supported the application.

Campaigner John Gears said: "I think the majority of people in the area will be delighted by this decision, and let's hope the council now imposes a ban on these dishes on all public buildings."

Last night's planning committee also supported the building of 11 flats on The Mount, despite concerns that it could increase the amount of vehicles using the area and increase air pollution.

Updated: 08:37 Wednesday, April 11, 2001