A radio mast which supports vital emergency services has been saved from being pulled down. The mast, run by a team of North Somerset amateur radio enthusiasts for six years, was under threat after it was discovered it was operating without planning permi

A radio mast which supports vital emergency services has been saved from being pulled down.The mast, run by a team of North Somerset amateur radio enthusiasts for six years, was under threat after it was discovered it was operating without planning permission.It is used to help the emergency services in training exercises and as an important backup to police, fire and ambulance radio systems.A complaint was received by North Somerset Council that the mast, at Home Farm on top of Backwell Hill near Brockley Combe, does not have planning permission.But council officers have now decided to let the mast stay after radio enthusiast John Marks, of Stowey Road, Yatton, submitted a planning application to the authority to keep it up.Planning chiefs decided the mast should stay because it is not 'visually intrusive' and does not damage the appearance of the surrounding countryside.