POWICK residents are celebrating after a plan for a new phone mast near their homes was refused.

The application for a 15m mast at Bowling Green, Malvern Road, was turned down at a development control committee meeting on Wednesday.

The application by Hutchinson 3G was rejected on the grounds of its negative visual impact and perceived health risks.

Coun Tom Wells was concerned at how the mast would impact on householders, particularly as an existing mast is 28m from the proposed site.

"It would constitute a proliferation of masts, antennae and associated equipment in a residential area and would detract from the visual amenity," he said.

Residents were pleased at the outcome, but remained cautious about the possibility of future mast plans for the site as a similar proposal was rejected only a year ago.

Doreen Bell, of Sparowhall Lane, said: "It's wonderful news. Since we've been in the area, we've fought two or three and we'll all go to the same trouble to fight again".