Mobile phone giants One 2 One are to fight Braintree Council's decision to refuse their application to build a 50ft mast in Great Notley.

The mobile company has lodged their appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and Regions, who will appoint an inspector to review the situation.

The 15 metre antenna was to be erected on land near the A131 bypass, but was refused permission for fears that it would pose a risk to the appearance of the area and the environment.

One 2 One is appealing because the company feels everything has been done to make sure the mast, which features three antenna, two dishes and radio equipment, would have as little affect on the area as possible.

Both sides must now write to the Government's Planning Inspectorate stating their cases for and against the proposed mast.

The inspector will consider the letters and make an inspection of the proposed site and will make a decision within three to six months.

Planning officer for Braintree Council Mark Jackson said: "Our main concern when we refused the proposal was the affect it would have on amenities in the Great Notley area, particularly in the visual impact it held and the affect it would have on the overall appearance of the village which is a developing countryside location."

A spokesperson for One 2 One said: "It's always disappointing when an application is refused. We put every effort into making sure the sites we pick will have the least impact on an area and the lives of the people who live there."

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