DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott is being asked to investigate why a privately run company can put up enormous radio masts without having to seek planning consent.

The question has been put to Mr Prescott in his capacity as Minister for Local Government and the Regions by Devizes MP and deputy Tory leader Michael Ancram.

Mr Ancram is concerned that Network Rail, the successor company to Railtrack, is immune from normal planning constraints.

It is proposing to put up a string of communication masts along its lines to enable train drivers to keep in touch with signallers.

Better communication systems were one of the stipulations of the Cullen Report into rail safety in the wake of the Ladbroke Grove rail tragedy in 1999, which involved a Thames Train that had travelled up to Paddington from Great Bedwyn.

Network Rail has upset people living in Great Bedwyn and Milkhouse Water, near Pewsey, with plans for 100 feet radio masts.

Mr Ancram said he is concerned that Network Rail has inherited the privilege from the days when British Rail was a public utility of not needing planning consent for buildings or aerial masts.

Network Rail notified Kennet District Council of its intentions to put up the masts as a matter of courtesy, although it said councillors' views would be taken into consideration.

This week Mr Ancram wrote to Mr Prescott demanding to know why archaic protection from planning legislation has been allowed to pass to a private company like Network Rail.

There has been huge opposition in Great Bedwyn to the steel lattice mast proposed close to the village railway station, yards from homes.

The parish council has sent a petition signed by 477 people opposed to the mast to the rail company.

Residents at Milkhouse Water, regarded as one of the most picturesque parts of the Pewsey vale, have launched their own protest.

Objectors fear Network Rail could sub-let the masts to mobile phone operators enabling them to put up their transmitters amid health fears over emissions without planning consent.

Mr Ancram said: "I do not think the exception from gaining planning permission should ever have been created to allow this type of activity."

Great Bedwyn parish clerk Mick Goss said the community accepted the need to improve the rail system, but could not see any justification for imposing huge masts on villages without any consultation.