Shropshire Star 09 09 05

Telecommunications giant Vodafone was today refused permission to put up a 12-metre high phone mast in Telford, following a storm of opposition from angry residents.

The proposal for a mast near the junction of Brunel Road and Stone Row in Malinslee attracted letters and emails of objection along with a petition signed by more than 200 residents.

It was turned down by members of Telford & Wrekin's plans board this morning by a narrow margin of just four votes to three.

Councillor John Sadler, who voted against the mast, said the reason for refusal was that masts should not be put near residential areas, when guidelines advise that they are not placed in schools.

However, members were warned by area planning officer Dave Fletcher that this reason was unlikely to be upheld if the decision went to appeal.