A national database giving details of the UK's 24,000 mobile phone masts will be set up within the next three months.

Today the Government unveiled tougher guidelines to curb the spread of masts just weeks after the Argus launched a campaign to Put Masts on the Map.

The internet map will indicate the location, height and maximum power output of each transmitter and should be on-line in the next 12 weeks.

The Argus campaign for a national register of mobile phone mast sites has been gathering support from MPs, councillors and members of the community since it was launched on February 27.

Planning Minister Nick Raynsford said it was vital that masts were sited sensitively.

He strengthened the requirement to hold a public consultation on any bid to build a mast below 15 metres, making it the same as a full planning application.

The plans also include measures to ensure school governors are consulted on any proposals for any mast near school premises.

He confirmed they can refuse point-blank to have masts sited on school property.

Mr Raynsford also increased the fees paid to local councils for making an application from £35 to £190.

He increased the length of time which councillors have to consider applications to 56 days to ensure time for full consultation.

At present the time limit is 28 days for masts on roofs and 42 days foreground-based masts.

Several Sussex councils, including Brighton and Hove City Council and West Sussex County Council, have banned masts from their land.

Mr Raynsford, who was in Hove yesterday, added: "These changes represent a considerable strengthening of the current planning arrangements.

"We shall introduce them, and revised planning policy guidance at the earliest opportunity."