A PLANNING application for a mobile phone mast in Pendock has been turned down.

Concerned residents packed into a meeting of Malvern Hills District Council's southern area planning committee as Vodafone UK's proposal was heard on Wednesday.

The mobile phone giant had hoped to install an 18-metre high mast with panel and dish antennae on land at Underhills Farm, near Berrow Wood.

But residents said that uncertain health implications surrounding masts meant they had a perception of harm, which can be harmful in itself. They argued that this was a material consideration that planners should take into account, especially given the site's proximity to houses and Pendock Primary School.

Committee members had a lengthy discussion on the issue, which had been recommended for approval by planning officers.

They heard from resident Warren Darrell, who spoke on behalf of the residents. He said a previous court judgment had ruled that health fears must be taken into account. He said that information on the effects of 3G waves, used for the new generation of phones, was extremely scarce.

"Are we the guinea pigs for 3G technology?" he asked.

Ward councillor Julie Wildin said the applicant needed to show that no superior site could be found for the mast. Although this was stated in the application, there was no evidence to back it up.

"This is just totally the wrong site," she said. "It's too close to the homes and it's far too close to the school."

Coun Pat Mewton, a former telecommunications worker, said tests on 3G waves had been limited and were more powerful than traditional 2G waves.

After considerable debate, the application was refused on the grounds that Vodafone had failed to demonstrate that alternative sites or sharing another mast was not an option. There was also the issue of the fear of harm.

The decision was greeted with applause by the public.