A PLAN to replace a mobile phone mast in Badger Farm with a larger version has been successfully opposed by Winchester residents.

O2 and Vodafone had applied to replace the existing pole with one two and a half metres taller to extend the reach of their service.

But Councillor Lynda Banister spoke out against the development and told the City Council Planning Committee: “Out of the 20 responses I have had to this situation, two were in favour. The rest were vehemently opposed.”

Winchester MP Steve Brine said: “Many Badger Farm residents contacted me on this, and I made many representations to the city council.

“I am delighted that in this instance the planning committee has done the right thing, and we can now put this to bed and move on.”

The committee decided to raise an objection to this plan, but the companies may still return with a full application for a new mast.