WARD councillors are celebrating after winning a planning battle against new telephone mast.

Leading the campaign against the 15 metre mast which was planned for a pavement on Dunstable Road in Stanford-le-Hope, close to the Homesteads Hall was independent Cllr Gary Byrne, who worked closely with fellow councillor, Conservative James Halden, to focus attention on the application.

Cllr Byrne was particularly keen to point out that the mast would block part of the pavement, something he was aggrieved about as the council had previously fined the hall's committee for having a overhanging hedge which obstructed pedestrians' passage.

In a statement against the scheme he said: "On behalf of the Homesteads Hall committee we strongly oppose the siting of a 40 foot 3HG pole with three adjacent boxes on the pavement alongside our designated green area.

"We see no reason as to why it should be set on the pavement area used as safe family passage to and from their homes along to the Homesteads Hall and beyond

"The road is always a topic of discussion for road safety with reported accident and and near misses. This 40 foot tower would be an added distraction.

"The council has already deemed this side of the road must be totally clear of any obstruction along its route. That includes the hall's bushes. We were fine the sum of £75 to what was described as a dangerous bush. If a bush can be classified as dangerous, how should the council respond to a 40 tower and associate cabinets?

"We appreciate the need for such equipment why can it not be sited out the rear of our perimeter where the trees will disguise its appearance and would not obstruct the walkway. A similar mast at Chafford is sited on a roundabout. The Homesteads has a roundabout siting there would be more suitable and resident friendly."

Opponents have now carried the day, with council officers ruling the mast application be rejected.

The council says the proposed mast and wraparounds base cabinet would likely result in an overly prominent structure which would be visually harmful and would lead to unacceptable narrowing of the pedestrian footway which would be detrimental to safety.

After hearing of the planning officers' decision, Cllr Byrne said: "Thank you so much to the residents who sent in their objections to Thurrock Council.

"News like this is why I became a councillor. We don't win every battle but we do work hard putting the case forward for the Homesteads. I work very closely with Cllr Halden and also thank him for his support on this. Together we are stronger."