RESIDENTS are facing the fact that unwanted telecommunications equipment is likely to be placed on a lamppost near their homes.

Householders sent two petitions to councillors objecting to mobile phone company Orange's plan to put signal equipment on a lamppost on the corner of Sawpit Hill and Western Dene, Hazlemere, but Wycombe District Council's planning applications panel ruled last week that a decision should be made by the planning director under delegated authority.

David Gantzel, chairman of Hazlemere Residents' Association, said: "From my point of view if it could have been put up in Pontos Wood where it was not so conspicuous it would have been better. If this is the law there is not much we can do about it."

Cllr David Cox (Con, Hazlemere East) said: "It will go through. There's very little doubt about that. That's the trouble with these masts. They can put them where they like, when they like, how they like."

Cllr Cox said Hazlemere Parish Council was opposed to the plans.

A spokesman for Orange said that the company was doing all it could to minimise environmental impact by working closely with the council.