CAMPAIGNERS fighting the implementation of the controversial Tetra system have been dealt a bitter blow this week with planning officers arguing that it be should given the go-ahead at Headley.

East Hampshire District Council's north planning committee is to debate plans on December 18 to put new equipment housing in at the existing phone mast in Beech Hill Road.

The application has attracted the objection of 403 residents because, if approved, it would create the space needed to install the equipment needed for Tetra - the controversial digital communications system which Hampshire Police will eventually use.

It will also create the space needed for Vodafone to install its controversial Third Generation (3G) technology to improve coverage for its "new generation" mobile phones.

But planning officers have recommended that the committee approves the plans for the equipment housing because there are no sound planning reasons to refuse it. They also point out that operators do not need permission to install extra antennae, such as for Tetra and 3G, on existing masts.

The report to the committee said: "Additional antennae are proposed to the existing 30- metre high, lattice-tower structure. However, under (planning law) the installation of further antennae on an existing mast is is permitted development and can therefore be achieved without the need to submit a formal planning application.

"Mast sharing by telecommunications operators is the preferred option in minimising the net number of masts permitted in East Hampshire. The ground-based equipment cabins are proposed to be finished in an appropriate green colour to match the existing permitted cabins."

Referring to the large number of the objections sent to EHDC, the report said that 62 of the 403 had to be discounted because the author did not give their full details.

Of those remaining, 308 were reproduced standard letters and the rest are personal letters and emails about the location of the mast and health concerns.

The report points out that the council cannot consider the application on health grounds.

"The issue of potential health risks to humans remains outside those matters which the council can take into consideration in its decision making," the report said.

As a result, the proposal is "felt to be acceptable".