CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a mobile phone mast at the "gateway" to the New Forest have been rejected.

Vodaphone wanted to install the 12m mast beside the Cadnam Roundabout, which is used by traffic heading into the Forest from the M27.

But the application was thrown out at a meeting of the district council's planning and development control committee.

Brockenhurst's Councillor Maureen

Holding said: "Cadnam is the gateway to the Forest.

"If this mast is installed it's the first thing people will see when they come off the motorway.

"Why should we allow a monstrosity like that?"

Cadnam's Councillor Derek Tipp said: "It's such a prominent location. The mast would undoubtedly be an eyesore and detrimental to the residents of the area."

Councillors heard from Cadnam resident Roland Jacob, who was also representing one of his neighbours.

He said: "The mast would be clearly visible from both our properties, but I'm also concerned about potentially harmful radiation emissions.

"We don't know what the long-term effects of mobile phone masts will be. We may be storing up problems for young people in ten to 20 years' time."

Committee chairman Pat Wyeth referred to the restrictions placed on local authorities.

She told Mr Jacob: "The majority of people would agree with you on health risks, but we can't take these into account at the moment because the government tell us there aren't any."

Planning officers recommended the committee to support the application.

Chris Elliott, head of development control, referred to the streetlights and other "highway clutter" near the roundabout.

He added: "This would be a streamlined monopole which Vodaphone says would be imperceptible.

"We believe it's acceptable in that particular location."

Cllr Wyeth retorted: "I'm not convinced that because highway clutter is already there we should add to it."

Councillors were told the application had resulted in nine letters of objection from local residents and business people, who cited the adverse visual impact of the mast and its impact on human health.

Now campaigners must wait to learn if Vodaphone will lodge an appeal against the committee's decision.