PLANNERS have thrown out a scheme to fit mobile phone masts to a Worcester shopping centre over fears they would create an eyesore near the Cathedral.

The application, by tele-communications giant T-Mobile, was to install three antennas, each with a six-foot high equipment cabinet, on top of Cathedral Plaza.

It was rejected at a meeting of Worcester City Council's planning committee yesterday, as planning officers had recommended, on the grounds the effect upon the setting of the Cathedral would be greater than the benefits of providing a city centre site for telecommunications apparatus.

But some councillors argued the scheme would have far less impact than the "unsightly" former Giffard Hotel building - next to Cathedral Plaza.

"I don't know why this is being recommended for refusal when you have got this awful building in the way of the Cathedral which obscures its view," said Councillor Paul Denham.

"What is actually being proposed is so minimal compared with what is already there and the antenna itself wouldn't affect the view."

T-Mobile wrote to planning officers informing them that nine other possible sites in the city were unsuitable either because of landowners not accepting, or poor reception.

However, councillors arg-ued that it was important to stick to planning policy.