A DECISION over a controversial 50ft phone mast at a rugby club in an upmarket suburb on the outskirts of Glasgow has been put on hold.

A DECISION over a controversial 50ft phone mast at a rugby club in an upmarket suburb on the outskirts of Glasgow has been put on hold.

East Renfrewshire Council leaders were expected to give the plan to site the mast at the GHA Rugby Club in Giffnock the go-ahead yesterday.

But they agreed to put off a final decision until next month to allow them time for a site visit.

They made the unanimous decision after hearing there was some confusion among locals over exactly where the Vodafone mast would stand.

The plan for the mast has sparked fury with nearly 100 protesters launching a fight to stop the tower going up near their homes.

Council leader, Jim Fletcher, has also opposed the proposal.

In a letter to his planning department, Mr Fletcher said: "The development is strongly opposed by the overwhelming number of residents who live adjacent to the club and their views ought to be taken on-board by the planning committee.

"I wish to register my strong objection on the grounds that the mast is visually intrusive to the surrounding locus."

Councillor Fletcher, who represents the ward, was among 97 people to officially object to the siting proposed mast, off Braidholm Road.

Vodafone wants to build the tower, with three antennas and two transmission dishes, beside GHA's clubhouse.

The protesters raised concerns over the visual impact of the mast, the loss of view, and possible long-term health issues.

The clubhouse is surrounded by playing fields and is around 120ft from flats and houses.

Council officials stressed that health fears could not be considered as a material planning concern, under guidance issued by the Scottish Government.

Anne Toms, of protest group Whitton Drive against the Mast, said: "The mast would be just 150ft from housing and the planning department should be bend over backwards to represent us."

Tom Ganucci, of Mono Consultants, who are acting on behalf of the mobile phone giant, said: "The application followed an in-depth study of the local area. This was the most suitable location."

GHA Rugby Club, also known as Glasgow Hutchesons Aloysians RFC, was formed in 2002 following a merger between Glasgow Southern and Hutchesons Aloysians.

A decision will be made on December 3.