THE two mobile phone giants who have permission for new masts after council blunders are reviewing their options.

Harrow Council made a double gaffe when failing to tell Orange and Vodafone that their applications for the masts had been turned down.

The officers missed a 56-day deadline for informing applicants, meaning permission was granted by default, to the fury and dismay of residents living close to the two sites.

As a result, Vodafone can erect a 12.4m high phone mast in St Thomas Drive, Hatch End, and Orange have the right to put up an 11.5m high mast on a small patch of grass at the junction of Rayners Lane and Grove Road.

Orange spokesman, named only as Saul, said the company “appreciates the concern of the council and local residents and is considering its permission”.

He added the company is in discussions with the council over the site.

Ilana Clark, spokesman for Vodafone, said it had the right to put the phone mast up after the council blunder and was looking to improve 3G coverage in Pinner, which the mast would do.

However, giving opponents of the scheme a glimmer of hope, she added: “Although we intend to build this site, we recognise that some communities are concerned regarding the deployment of radio base stations.

“As a result we are currently reviewing the situation.”

Residents and the council have asked the companies to not use the sites as a gesture of goodwill, given that they only have permission because of the mistake of officers in the planning department.