PLANS for a mobile phone mast at Newland have been rejected.

Hutchinson 3G (UK) Ltd made the application for the mast, for land near Newland Court, off the main Malvern-Worcester Road.

A number of residents objected to the application, citing the possible health risks of such masts and the impact on the landscape.

Their letters were backed up by an objection from Newland Parish Council, which also mentioned the health risks.

Malvern Hills District Council planning officers recommended that permission be granted.

But at Wednesday night's meeting of the northern area development control committee, members voted to turn it down, citing the residents' health fears.

Mast plans at Welland and Pendock have been refused planning permission in recent months for similar reasons.