MOBILE phone giant Orange has been refused planning permission for a mast concealed as a lamp post.

The company wanted to erect an eight metre pole in Scotts Lane, Bromley, after its application for one in a nearby road was turned down last year.

Residents and ward councillors opposed the latest bid, claiming it would be too close to houses and look out of place. They also feared possible health risks.

A Bromley council planning sub-committee, chaired by Cllr Peter Dean, unanimously refused Orange's application on Thursday.

Copers Cope councillor Michael Tickner said: "I do think the telecoms companies need to put far greater effort into finding more suitable sites for their equipment.

"Companies like Orange – all of whom made massive profits last year – should invest a little more time in locating masts somewhere well away from opposing residents; well away from the danger of traffic mounting the pavement; and well away from the graffiti morons who daub their scrawl on every bit of clutter that the utility companies erect on our footways."