CAMPAIGNERS have won the first round of their battle to prevent a new mobile phone mast being installed in a New Forest village.

District councillors have rejected an application to replace an existing mast at Park Road, Milford on Sea, with a taller and more substantial structure.

Brockenhurst councillor Maureen Holding said it would be "sacrilege" to erect a new mast in such a picturesque part of the district.

Waldon Telecom Ltd had applied for planning permission to install the equipment beside a telephone ex-change near Milford's village green.

Furious residents launched a campaign after the proposal was unveiled earlier this year and raised a protest petition signed by nearly 800 people.

Campaigners said the new mast - 1.6m taller than its predecessor - would be an eyesore and a potential health risk.

At yesterday's meeting of the district planning committee, councillors refused the application on the grounds that the antenna would be detrimental to the character of the Milford conservation area.

Councillors heard from protest leader Jenny Davies, who said the mast would be a blot on the landscape and a danger to youngsters passing the mast on the way to and from the local school.

But the government has ordered local authorities to ignore any objections based on health fears when determining applications to install mobile phone masts.

Councillors were told that the Milford scheme should be rejected on the grounds set out in a report to the meeting.

New Milton councillor Alan Rice said the mast would be obtrusive. Milford member Mel Kendal added his voice to the chorus of objections.

Now campaigners must wait to learn if Waldon will lodge an appeal.