JUBILANT neighbours are celebrating a decisive victory in the battle of the Balston Road phone mast.

District planning chiefs threw out the unpopular application, from Vodafone, to put up a 10-metre mobile phone mast just yards from residential properties in Poole.

Shocked parents Alan and Melanie Brown took up the fight after learning the mast, at the corner of Ringwood and Balston Road, would be just five metres from their three-year-old daughter’s bedroom.

Melanie, 37, said: “I’m delighted to say we’ve had a good outcome. I’ve been stunned and thrilled by the amount of action there has been from our neighbours and friends.”

After learning Vodafone wanted to swap the existing lamp post for the mast, more than 300 residents signed a petition in objection.

Poole council’s planning committee refused the plan on the grounds that other, more suitable sites, had not been fully investigated.

Vodafone has the right to appeal, but it may be weeks until residents know the company’s intentions.

Alan said: “We’re grateful that the Daily Echo attended and took photos. That boosted our morale because we felt someone was listening.”

The mast application was sent to committee after being flagged up by Cllr Mike Plummer.

Melanie explained: “The nightmare began in April when a handful of residents received letters advising of Vodafone’s intention to place a 3G mast within the residential area and just five metres from one house.

“Although not yet proven, many sources have urged caution in the placing of such equipment near to residential properties and especially those with children.

Independent experts have raised concerns about children and mobile phone radiation, arguing base stations should not be sited near schools.

The Stewart Report, published in 2000, found a one-year-old child could absorb double the energy of an adult.