Residents reacted with fury when contractors working on behalf of Vodafone were seen working outside their properties in Bushey yesterday (Thursday).

Mobile network giants 02 and Vodafone had applied to build at the corner of Melbourne Road and Coldharbour Lane, metres away from houses. Much to the delight of residents, the planning application was rejected by Hertsmere Council in December.

But just a week ago, the mobile network operators lodged an appeal to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate against the decision.

Then yesterday, contractors were spotted on hydraulic platforms at the site where the companies want to build the mast.

When asked what they were doing, workers said they were not building any form of mast, but measuring the “sight line” on behalf of Vodafone.

Jo Wolff, who led protests against the initial application, said: “We took this to planning committee and it was rejected, it is now in appeal.

“I'm furious. They cannot be allowed to do this. We have fought to stop them too long and hard.”

Representatives from Hertsmere Borough Council said they had been made aware of the workers by concerned residents and councillors.

Anna Cotton, council representative, said: “We cannot send an enforcement officer to the site as the application is currently at the appeal stage, but we are aware of the situation.

“We will have to wait for the inspectorate’s decision, which we have not been given a date for yet.”

At the time of press, Vodafone and 02 were unavailable for comment.