RESIDENTS in Box have demanded more answers about the dangers of phone masts after a controversial planning application to build a 40ft tall phone mast in a layby opposite Box tunnel was deferred.

Plans for the phone mast and four cabinets proposed by mobile phone giant on London Road was deferred by members of the Northern Area Planning Committee on Wednesday, February 15 after the committee decided they needed more information.

Since being called in by Councillor Sheila Parker in 2012, more than 300 residents have signed a petition objecting to the plans with many citing concerns over the health risks associated with the mast.

She said: "When I called this in back in 2012 we wanted to know why it couldn't be put through the tunnel like it does in the underground and several other were concerned about the dangers of having a mobile phone mast near to their houses.

"We expected EE to be there at the meeting as we had more questions but they weren't and the committee decided to defer it. It is brilliant that the village have all rallied together.

"It is now just a waiting game. We have got our fingers crossed but you can never tell what the final outcome will be."

Residents living in village, particularly those in The Wharf, are worried that the mast will not only have a large visual impact on the village but also create a risk to their wellbeing.

Owen Hirst, who lives on The Wharf, 40m from where the phone mast would be installed, said: "It would be awful. It would be one of the first things you would see on approaching the village from Corsham, a village in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and conservation area, and next to a Grade II listed bridge and opposite a Grade II listed Brunel tunnel.

"The perceived health risks are obviously a major issue for so many of the houses around the area, especially for the welfare of children living next to such a mast and the fact that the health risks are yet unproven, as far as many are concerned, are neither here or there.

"On a positive note, this situation has confirmed to all of us involved what a caring and amazing village Box is to live in. We all feel very lucky and privileged to live here - let's hope that doesn't change."

Liza Roos and Alexandra Bond also said the mast would cause major safety concerns opposite the tunnel at a junction which is already tricky to navigate.

For more information search 16/09353/FUL on Wiltshire Council's planning portal.