People living in a quiet close fear a new mobile phone mast being built behind their homes will devalue their property.

The 60ft metal mast towers over their homes in Honey Croft, Hangleton, and they say it is even more of an eyesore than they feared it would be.

A number of residents are now planning to complain to the Local Government Ombudsman about the way planning permission was granted by Brighton and Hove Council.

Pensioner Peter Spink said he bought his home in Honey Croft in February and did not find out about the mast until he moved in.

He said: "The first we knew about it was a letter from the contractors telling us when the work would start. It is a complete eyesore already and it is not even finished yet. It will definitely affect the value of my house.

Neighbour Joe Whiting said the council had told her there was no entitlement to compensation.

"But that is just part of it. This monstrous silver pole overlooks my back garden where my two children play. I am very worried about the health aspects raised by having a radio transmitting station right on our doorstep.

"I will be among those contacting the ombudsman to see if we can get something done."

The Argus reported last year how Hangleton councillor Peter Willows was barred from speaking at the planning committee meeting which approved the mast.

Councillor Willows, a member of the committee, said he was originally told he could speak at the meeting.

But he was asked to leave after legal experts pointed out he had actively promoted a petition opposing the mast and so had conflicting interests.

The mast was then given the go-ahead after committee chairman Councillor Chris Morley used his casting vote to push the application through.

Fellow Hangleton councillor Mark Barnard said he had received a number of requests from residents for forms to make a complaint to the ombudsman.

He said: "People did not fully realise the impact this would have on the area at the time.

"At the moment they have had two television transmitting aerials on top of an ordinary telegraph pole which fits into the surroundings. Now they have got this pole which is taller and wider and will carry satellite dishes as well as aerials."