PLANS for a mobile phone mast in Altham have been blocked by Hyndburn Council.

Mobile phone operator Hutchison 3G UK Ltd applied for permission to put a 20-metre mast on the side of a building on Altham Business Park.

But the plans were rejected by the planning committee because of the visual impact on nearby houses and in particular the St James Altham Conservation Area.

Coun Lynn Wilson said: "I am delighted that this is up for refusal. It is in a conservation area and we need to retain what little beauty we have got left."

Coun David Parkins added: "I am sure that this can be accommodated within the park , but it needs to be further in.

"I hope the officers can negotiate with the applicant.

"This mast is at least twice the size of the buildings."

At the same meeting councillors also rejected plans for a phone mast in Rishton because of the visual impact it would have on neighbouring properties.

More than 120 residents signed a petition objecting to O2 (UK) Ltd's proposals for a 15-metre mast in Walmsley Street.

The council also received a letter of objection from the governors of Rishton Methodist School, which is near to the proposed site.

According to a report by borough planners the applicant had investigated four alternative sites in the area, but they were either unsuitable, or unavailable.

The report said: "The proposed mast would project above the adjacent buildings .

"It would be clearly visible from a significant number of residential properties.

"It would be seen from the open space and playground areas, and from the grounds of Rishton Methodist Primary School and Church."