Orange was refused permission by Leeds City Council in the summer to keep its 15m mast on land at Scarsdale Ridge following hundreds of objections from Bardsey home owners.

But despite this refusal, the communications company has now chosen to use temporary planning laws to keep the mast up and it's appealed to The Government Planning Inspectorate in Bristol.

Wetherby MP Colin Burgon has now stepped in and written to the planning inspectorate to voice his concerns on behalf of local residents.

In a letter to the planning inspectorate - who will make a final decision on whether the mast should remain - he says: "The mast is situated close to properties on Scarsdale Ridge and I understand that a buzzing noise can be heard from nearby, disturbing the quiet village environment.

"The mast dominates the skyline from the whole village and the appearance is not appropriate for the site.

"Furthermore, I am concerned that developers are able to put in place mobile phone masts that have been objected to by residents and refused by the local authority, by pursuing a policy of appealing and submitting further applications, whereby stretching out the application process and eroding public resolve.

Mr Burgon asks the planning inspectorate to take his views into consideration when deciding whether or not to give the mast the green light.

Bardsey resident, Julie Wolstenholme, has urged residents to give their views on the mast to the planning inspectorate by the deadline, Wednesday, December 17.

The current mast is the latest in a series by mobile phone companies wanting to erect masts in the Bardsey area.

A three-year battle by Bardsey couple Chris and Geoff Nunn against the installation of a mast at Smithy Lane ended in 2005.

The mast had been erected by T-Mobile after Leeds City Council failed to refuse planning permission before the required 56-day deadline.

As well as asking for more sensitive siting, Bardsey campaigners have called for better research on the effects of mobile phone masts on those living nearby.

Reports of increased levels of terminal illnesses in local residents have led to fears the masts are dangerous, but so far there has been no conclusive proof of their effects.

Send comments on the Scarsdale Ridge mast to the Planning Inspectorate, Case officer Neil Devereux, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN.