How disappointing that, despite objections from residents, myself and supported by Brighton and Hove City Council, the South Downs National Park planning authority has granted permission to replace the current mobile phone mast at the junction of Fox Way and Foredown Road in Portslade with another one ten feet taller, thicker and wider at the top, as well as some additional ground cabinets.

This land, like much of the farmland surrounding Mile Oak, is now part of the National Park and, therefore, planning decisions are taken by it and not the local authority.

Foredown Road, with the nearby historic Foredown Tower with its panoramic views, is a gateway to the National Park. The mast is to be situated at the brow of the hill overlooking residential properties at a lower ground level.

In the view of the city council and myself, this will be visually prominent and harm the character and appearance of the locality and surrounding downland.

Many of us, including myself, rely on mobile phones and, therefore, I do understand the need to upgrade the equipment.

However, as with any planning application, consideration has to be given to the visual impact or detrimental appearance of a development on the area concerned.

It was my understanding that the purpose of the South Downs National Park was to protect the local environment but, unfortunately in this instance, the reverse seems to be the case, resulting in what no doubt will be seen as an unwelcome blot on the landscape.

Councillor Penny Gilbey, Labour and Co-operative, North Portslade, Brighton and Hove City Council