A phone mast is set to be built on green belt land despite a unanimous council objection.

Basildon Council first rejected planning permission for the mast in Ramsden View Road, Wickford, a few months ago because the land is open space.

But an appeal against the decision by mobile phone operator Orange has now been approved by the Government.

Malcolm Buckley, leader of the council, said: "We refused the application a few months ago on the grounds that it was on green belt land.

"The council considered there were no special circumstances allowing it in that area."

However, after a Government inspector reviewed the application it was decided there were special circumstances in favour of it being built, including improved coverage for the Wickford area.

Published Monday November 24, 2003

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