A mobile phone mast could be installed at Shifnal’s railway station, despite objections from councillors. The application has been made by Telecommunications company O2.

It has applied to Bridgnorth District Council for permission to put the 10-metre high mast next to the station car park, off Aston Street.

Planners at the council are recommending the scheme for approval, although both Shifnal Town Council and the Shifnal Society have raised concerns.

Councillors have officially objected to the project, saying it would look out of character and would have a negative effect on new residential development in the area.

The Shifnal Society has also objected, saying the mast could be harmful to the health of nearby residents.

Members also questioned whether O2 had considered using other sites elsewhere in and around the town.

But in a report to councillors, planning officer Mike Clough said there were no real reasons for refusing planning permission – even though the site was in a conservation area.

He said: “Despite the protection normally afforded to conservation areas, telecommunications development is not prohibited in principle.

“The Shifnal Society has raised health issues in its representations.

“When such matters have been considered at appeal, such concerns have generally been given limited weight unless there is some supporting evidence.

“No such evidence has been submitted or is apparent in this case.”

The agents working on behalf of O2 said they had investigated alternative sites around Shifnal but the railway station was the best site for the job.