Residents in a block of flats face a fight to stop a mobile phone giant putting a mast on their roof.

Mobile phone firm Orange has asked freeholders in the Wilbury Road area of Hove if they would consider allowing a mast to be placed on their properties.

Most owners have refused but the freeholder of Wilbury Lodge has told Orange they would consider allowing a mast on the roof.

Residents in Wilbury Lodge became aware of a proposal to site a mast on their roof when Brighton and Hove city councillor Jenny Barnard-Langston forwarded copies of a letter she received from GVA Grimley of London, property advisers acting for Orange, about the proposal.

Residents are concerned about the lack of power they have to stop their freeholder giving permission.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "There are 35 flats here, all leaseholders.

"The freeholder, to whom we pay ground rent, has agreed to put a mast on the roof.

"He will probably get a sum of money for having it too.

"We should be able to have the power to say whether we want it or not."

The letter from GVA Grimley said: "We have undertaken a comprehensive search of the area and have identified a site in Hove called Wilbury Lodge on Wilbury Road.

"This site is suitable for Orange's requirements, as there is an interested site provider and the building's roof is suitable to support Orange's required equipment.

"As the roof space is open with a plant room in the centre, Orange has been able to design the proposed installation with the majority of equipment away from the roof edge.

"This will make the installation far less intrusive, as much of the equipment will not be visible from street level."

The letter states that GVA Grimley has been appointed to help carry out consultation with the community over the proposal.

Coun Barnard-Langston has replied to GVA Grimley and said: "You may be aware of the controversy in the city over telecommunications masts, particularly sited in sensitive areas.

"Neighbourhoods have been extremely angry about the apparent complete disregard of their views."

She said Orange listed other sites in Hove for masts which the property owners refused to allow.

Coun Barnard-Langston said she sent the letter to the residents because she believed they had a right to be consulted.

She said she was awaiting a response to her letter from GVA Grimley.