MOBILE phone company O2 is making a fresh attempt to put a mast in Barnards Green.

Last August, the network was refused planning permission to put a 12.5-metre mast at the Sixways industrial estate.

The decision by a Malvern Hills District Council planning committee follows an earlier refusal of a 15-metre mast at the same site in 2006.

In both cases, local people made strenuous objections. They said the mast was too close to homes, shops and businesses, plus a nursing home, the Chase school and the Malvern College playing fields.

There were also worries that it was too tall and would spoil the view towards the hills from Barnards Green.

At August's meeting, the application had been recommended for approval by planning officers. However, elected members overruled them, on the grounds that it would unduly dominate the skyline.

Now the phone company has lodged an appeal seeking to overturn the council's decision. The appeal will be conducted by the Planning Inspectorate, based in Bristol.

Geraldine Road resident Joan Frater, who objected to the original plan, said she would repeat her objections, which focused on health risks. "I think they hope they'll wear us down by appealing like this, but my original objections still stand," she said.

Residents have until Friday, February 13, to make their objections. The case number is APP/J1860/A/09/2093548.

Letters should be addressed to the case officer Liz Hart, room 3/22, The Planning Inspectorate, Registry/Scanning, Room 3/01 Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN.

Submissions can also be made via the website at www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk.