TWO phone mast applications by mobile giant Vodafone have been thrown out by planners because they were set for green belt land.

The bid for masts on a verge at Wolverley Road, Kidderminster and Rhydd Covert campsite, Bewdley were dismissed by Wyre Forest District Council's planning (development control) committee.

Two other masts, however, were allowed at Kidderminster industrial estates.

A total of 126 letters and 95 petition signatures opposed the Wolverley Road plan, for the bend past Beeches Road, with fears the 11.5m "monopole" would distract motorists, spoil the street scene and pose a danger to health.

Planning officer Paul Round recommended refusal and councillor Fran Oborski said: "This particular site is completely inappropriate, far too visible, far too near the road and I think the people who said it might be a health hazard because it is a distraction to motorists could be quite right."

Vodafone argued that six other sites had been identified but were unsuitable and the mast would not have a "negligible effect on the openness of the green belt".

Concerns about health came to the fore over the bid for a 10.5m wooden pole style mast at Rhydd Covert Scout camp in Bewdley, again rejected because of its presence in the green belt.

Case officer Julia Summerfield recommended approval. The mast was acceptable as it replaced a wooden electricity pole, she said.

Councillor Chris Nicholls said: "I think the people who are actually proposing this are irresponsible when there is young people who are actually going to use that Scout camp and I think it is a case of money over health issues."

The bid for a 14.5m mast at GP Automotives in Greenhill Industrial Estate was approved despite Mrs Oborski's fears it was "in the middle of a residential area" with Cairndhu Drive 45 metres away.

Another application, for a 14m mast at Charlie Brown Auto Centres, in Stourport Road, was also given the green light. The closest homes were 97 metres away, the committee was told.

Mast applications for the two sites had previously been turned down by the authority.

Vodafone intended to appeal against the rulings with the Planning Inspectorate but has dropped the action after the vote on Tuesday last week.

Vodafone was also appealing against a previous refusal for the Scout camp.

A spokeswoman said the firm was considering its options after the latest application was rejected.