Sir, I recently objected to the erecting of a telecommunications mast at The Oxford Hotel. The role of the Oxford City Council planning department appeared to be to ignore the many representations opposing this development and to mutter about appearance'. Of the three shadows cast by telecommunications masts property devaluation, ugliness and health threats the last mentioned is surely the most important. Contrary to the line adopted by Oxford's planners, many other councils do effectively resist these potentially dangerous developments.

There is no long-term knowledge of the impact of radiation and the Government's advice to adopt a precautionary approach' means just that. What caution is exercised in Oxford? None?

Who knows the overall concentration of masts and associated levels of radiation? Who is keeping the public informed? When is there any public discussion?

The thermal effects of radiation are negligible; sadly these are seized on by those seeking to further irradiate us.

We are all gently burning' with radiation levels of unknown risk levels and the council plays on.

Gerard van Dam, Upper Wolvercote