A bid to install a 17.5 metre high 5G mast has been blocked by Three Rivers District Council.

The council says the planned monopole in Chorleywood Road on the outskirts of Rickmansworth was "excessive" in its size and "visually obtrusive".

Cornerstone, which builds 5G masts on behalf of O2 and Vodafone, says the work would have provided "quality digital connectivity" to the area.

The pole, which would have been situated near the Royal Masonic School for Girls and opposite houses, drew five objections, including from the school head teacher Kevin Carson.

Mr Carson wrote in the council's planning portal that he felt it would be sited "far too close" to the school and in an "irresponsible" location, and also criticised the pole's appearance.

Other objections came in from neighbouring homes with repeated concerns about the pole's size and looks. Health concerns were also raised.

A comment read: "We have genuine concerns that the high levels of radiation are a threat to our young family. There is evidence that proximity of these masts to residential areas is associated with significant health risks."

Cornerstone says in its planning documents: "We recognise that the growth in mobile communication has led, in some cases, to public concern about perceived health effects of mobile technology, in particular about siting masts close to local communities.

"Cornerstone ensure that our radio base stations are designed and built so that the public are not exposed to radio frequency fields above the guidelines set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)."

Telecommunication poles do not require full planning permission but the council "considered" prior approval was required for this development.

In a decision notice published on April 8, the council confirmed prior approval had not been granted due to its siting and appearance.

A Cornerstone spokesperson said: "Cornerstone understand that our mobile infrastructure impacts communities. We aim to ensure that our telecommunications equipment blends into the area as much as possible while enabling quality digital connectivity to the communities we serve.

"Unfortunately the proposed site has been refused by the local planning authority. We will now review the reasons for this refusal and determine our next steps towards improved network coverage in the Chorleywood Road area."

It comes as Vodafone announced new 5G coverage for the Watford and Rickmansworth areas.