PLANS for an "eyesore" 5G phone mast at the entrance to a Halesowen housing estate have been thrown out.

The application for a 15-metre mast on Halesmere Way, the entrance to the Halesmere estate which is home to Manor Way Primary, attracted around 135 letters of objection.

Residents raised concerns over it being an "unattractive monolith," possible health fears, the site being prone to flooding and devaluing homes.

The three ward councillors David Vickers, Alan Taylor and Ray Burston also lodged objections.

Now to their delight planners at Dudley Council have refused the application for the mast on the central reservation from Three (CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd).

They stated: "By virtue of its siting and size, the proposal would be in an exposed and prominent position in the street scene and would materially harm the character and appearance of this residential area.

"It is therefore considered that this forms sustainable grounds upon which to recommend refusal of the application."

Councillor David Vickers, had written to planners stating: "I object most strongly to this mast, in such a prominent position on this estate, it becomes almost a flag showing the indifference to the residents and school children that attend the nearby primary school.

"There are nearby industrial units, factory estates and office estates where the mast will not be such an eyesore, there cannot be any difference for reception they are so close to this proposed site."

He said he was delighted it had been turned down.

He said: "Even the planners said it was ridiculous.

"This is the second time now that residents have won a battle against a mobile phone mast in Halesowen."

Residents from streets including Tibbetts Close, Halesmere Way, Brier Mill Road, Honeybourne Road, Griffin Avenue, Hillview Close and The Firs, objected to the proposal.

A resident of Tibberton Close stated: "It will be an eyesore for residents.

"The placing of the mast is close to an area prone to flooding.

"It will de-value our properties."

One resident of Honeybourne Road stated: "Why must we endure the most unattractive sight of this monolith stuck in the middle of a residential estate."

A bid for an 18-metre 5G mast at the rear of 7, Cricklewood Drive, on the Abbeyfields estate, was also turned down in May after hundreds of objections were received.

Three has been contacted for comment.