Residents block 'ugly' phone mast

Local people feared a mast would spoil their view

Planners have blocked a proposed phone mast because residents of a picturesque village feared it would be too ugly.

Council officers wanted to give the 50ft structure the go-ahead.

But public pressure forced them to scrap the plan after more than 300 people signed a petition against it and dozens sent letters of complaint.

Residents of Upper Clatford near Andover - one of Hampshire's most sought-after locations - also had concerns over the possible health risks of living near a mast.

Radiation study

Opponents have warned of a possible cancer risk from long-term exposure to radiation emitted by the masts.

But phone operators say no link has ever been proved.

A recent study of phone masts near 100 schools found them all well below international maximum recommended exposure guidelines.

Councillor Tony Jackson, chairman of the Test Valley Borough Council's planning committee said: "The mast was rejected on visual amenity grounds and because of the perceived health risk felt by local people."