A bid to install a 5G mobile phone mast has been rejected after objections that it would be "a dreadful eyesore".

The mast, proposed by Three parent company CK Hutchinson’s Network, would have stood 15m high on a strip of grass in Oxhey Road.

Watford Borough Council refused prior approval for the 5G mast and stated that alternative sites had not been fully explored.

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In a decision notice published June 14, the council said a mast of its size and appearance in such a prominent place would harm the character and appearance of the area to an extent that it outweighed the benefits of 5G coverage.

Two objections to the construction of the mast described it as “unsightly”, “a dreadful eyesore”, and one said that the existing area was “a small pretty green area”.

There is currently no 5G mast at the site.

Objections from neighbours said that the mast should have been constructed somewhere less prominent.

An objection comment read: “Why can't the mast be placed near the park where there are already telecoms and other cabinets near the main road, instead of taking away much used community spaces and views from the residents homes.

“We strongly discourage granting planning permission for this mast.”

Under planning law, Three will be able to appeal against the council's decision to refuse prior approval.

A Three spokesperson said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and business of Watford.

"We want to offer the local area a great network experience and our planners determined that a new site was required to deliver it.

"We will look at the council’s reasons for refusal and consider our best way forwards.”

Three’s supporting statement argued that the size of the tower is necessary to avoid buildings and trees.

The applicant said: “The height of the 5G antennas needs to be sited to avoid such obstacles and this in part dictates the height of the new streetworks monopoles.

“The higher frequencies that 5G will use can provide more bandwidth and thus greater capacity but the signal will not travel as far as those of previous generations.”