A PLAN to install a taller telephone mast in Warndon has been rejected because it would not have been camouflaged.

The 20-metre telephone mast would have replaced the existing mast near The Fairway and Otley Close, off Tolladine Road, on the edge of the old Tolladine Golf Course.

The current mast is 15 metres high and is disguised as a tree but plans showed the new taller mast would not be covered.

Worcester City Council planners said its design was “unacceptable” and would cause “significant harm to the landscape.”

Planners also said the mast would be too tall and stick out above a number of surrounding trees.

The new mast would have been built by Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL) – a joint signal and network-sharing partnership between mobile phone companies EE and Three.

The plan also included 12 antennae and four dishes as well as eight new cabinets on the ground.

Warndon Parish Council welcomed the updated technology as it would improve phone signal around Warndon and the rest of Worcester but was concerned about its size and design. Commenting on the planning application, the parish council said the mast should not be taller than any trees and should be camouflaged.

Several objections were raised by people living near the mast.

Steven Smith, of Tolladine Road, said: “The existing mast was reasonably well disguised, to hide the unpleasant sight of an array of metal antennas.

“The proposed new mast will be much larger, and not disguised, and as such will create a significant eyesore for this area of Tolladine, particularly as it is in such a prominent position on a hill.”

Objector Adrian Ford, of Otley Close, said: “Will it not be possible to have the new mast camouflaged like the existing one which is to be replaced, especially as the proposed new mast is a lot taller.

“I am all for modernising to improve everyone’s life but this must be done sympathetic to the environment and also for those who will have to see the new mast on a daily basis.”

Dean Ferrier, also of Otley Close, said: “The existing mast is clearly visible from all rooms at the front of our property, but does blend in sympathetically with its surroundings due to the artificial branches used as camouflage.

“I appreciate the need for equipment upgrades as technology advances, but the additional five metre height of the new mast and lack of camouflage will have a detrimental impact on the environment and outlook from all properties in the vicinity.”