APPLAUSE from relieved residents filled Malvern's Priory Lodge Hall on Wednesday after a plan for a 12.5m phone mast at Bicknells Garage, Pickersleigh Road, was turned down.

Hutchinson 3G's application was refused because councillors felt the mast would create health fears for nearby residents and have too great a visual impact.

Malvern Hills District Council's southern area development control committee also felt mast sharing had not been adequately investigated.

Richard Swift spoke against the plans on behalf of his neighbours.

The reasons he gave for opposing the mast included the possible health effects and the fact that it would be visually intrusive.

The proposed mast was 40m away from the nearest property.

At the same meeting, the go-ahead was given for a 15m Vodaphone mast on land at Baughton Hill, Earl's Croome. The mast will be opposite two existing masts and around 250m from the nearest home.

Councillors had some discussion about mast sharing but the committee backed the plan after Coun Roger Hall Jones said it should concentrate efforts on masts that would have a real impact.