Plans for a phone mast in a residential area of Bushey that were rejected by planners could be handed a reprieve after the decision was appealed.

Members of Hertsmere Council’s planning committee dismissed the joint application for a 12.5 metre mast from network operators Vodafone and O2 in December.

Neighbours of the proposed location, at the corner of Melbourne Road and Coldharbour Lane, strongly opposed the plans, gathering a petition and letters of objection.

The Planning Inspectorate, handling the appeal, will make a site visit in the coming months before making a decision.