STEEP residents, already fighting an application for a second mobile phone mast in a field near the A3, were stunned to find that a third mast is planned for the same field.
There is already a 15-metre Vodaphone mast in the Harrow Field and BT Cellnet applied earlier this month to build another 15-metre sectored column there.
Now Orange PCS has applied to erect a 17-metre column tower with six antennae, four microwave dishes and an equipment cabinet.
Chairman of Steep Parish Council Richard Coles said his council was opposed to both the latest applications.
ÒWe feel there are enough masts in the area without any more. We think mobile phone companies ought to try to share these things.
ÒIn addition, radio waves are an unknown quantity in health terms and we need to know more about them.Ó
Ben and Sarah Browne, who live near the existing mast, were among residents who fought the BT Cellnet application last year and they will be opposing the current applications.
ÒWe believe these masts are an eyesore in the area of outstanding natural beauty and potentially dangerous,Ó said Mrs Browne.
ÒCompanies are required to show that they have consulted landowners of four sites and I do not believe this has happened in the case of Orange.
ÒI also think these applications are coming in now to avoid any restrictions which may be imposed when the area becomes a national park.
ÒOn the health issue, according to an independent report commissioned by the government, these masts may be dangerous, particularly to children.
ÒThe government has asked schools not to have masts and some county councils, including Hampshire, have forbidden masts on council land until it is clear exactly what the health risks are.
ÒSteep, Bedales, Dunhurst, Dunannie and Sheet schools are all in the area and the existing mast is close to The Harrow pub, Steep tennis and cricket clubs and many of our homes.
ÒUK levels of acceptable microwaves from masts are already much less stringent than many other countries in the world - for example SwitzerlandÕs microwave exposure guidelines are 100 times more stringent than ours.Ó
Anyone who wishes to make a comment on the BT Cellnet and Orange planning applications should write to East Hampshire District Council with their views by February 7.