FURIOUS residents in the Ronkswood area of Worcester returned from work to find a new mobile phone mast opposite their home.

Stunned homeowners nearby claimed they knew nothing about the plans to put up the Hutchison 3G mast on a grass verge along Newtown Road on Thursday.

"It was delivered on the back of a low-loader and some guys started putting it up, but I thought people are supposed to know about these things," said John Baddeley, who lives in Ripon Road, opposite the site.

"Why can't they put it somewhere it won't upset people? I also imagine it will have an effect on house prices. I think it's a bit underhand."

His neighbour, Tony Burton, added: "No one wants it here. People will be in uproar when they see it. I certainly hadn't heard anything about it coming here."

Worcester City Council planners said they understood residents' concerns, but the correct planning procedure had been followed.

In fact, Worcester City Council's planners refused permission for the project in November 2004. But when 3G appealed, an independent inspector overturned the decision in July.

The chief planner, Paul O'Connor, said: "I understand the concern but the right people were notified," he said. "It's gone through the process and the inspector approved it."

He added that the company was able to put up the mast when it liked once it had permission.

Local councillor Mike Layland, who was a member of the planning committee that refused permission in November 2004, shared the residents' disappointment with the outcome.

He said: "What's the point of consultation and local democracy if the decision just gets sent to an inspector in Bristol and overturned? There is a water tower near this site with lots of phone masts on it and the planning committee agreed that it was the best place for any more sites in the area.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw the inspector's report."