Residents in South Woodham have emerged victorious after an application for a phone mast by their houses was thrown out.

But the battle may not be over as phone giant O2 this week said they would be appealing the decision.

A spokesman for the company said: "It's a shame they have knocked us back. We are disappointed and will appeal. We knew that there were people against it but we thought most were with us."

He added a site in South Woodham was still needed to improve the signal to people's phones.

Ian Lamb, whose newly-built bungalow on Hullbridge Road borders the Ferrers Road site, said he had been resigned to living next to a mast. "Thankfully common sense has prevailed," said Mr Lamb.

Chelmsford Borough Council turned down the phone company's bid for a 10 metre mast on Ferrers Road on two grounds - that the equipment cabinet was too big and out of keeping with the street scene and that it was considered a road safety hazard. Said a council spokeswoman: "It would have impaired visibility from the junction of Ferrers Road and Hullbridge Road."

David and Kate Bale, of Littlecroft, had organised an internet petition for people to register their protest.

Mrs Bale said: "I am relieved that it has been refused. Our plan was to move this year because we need an extra bedroom and we were worried this might stop us."

Cllr John Cheese, chairman of South Woodham Ferrers Town Councils planning committee commented: "Residents should be prepared to resist further proposals for unsuitable sites."

Published Wednesday January 26, 2005

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