Councillors have turned down controversial plans for a mobile phone mast for the second time.

Hutchison 3G, one of the biggest firms planning the third generation of mobile phones, wants to put up the mast in Dyke Road Avenue near the junction with The Beeches, Brighton The ten metre-high mast would be accompanied by three panel antennae and associated equipment cabinets.

There were strong objections to the application by neighbours, mainly in the Beeches, who had health concerns.

Planning officer Max Woodford recommended councillors to say the mast was acceptable.

But Tory councillor Pat Drake, who lives nearby, said there were already seven masts within half a mile of the site.

She added: "The strength of the emissions is far greater than for others granted and is totally unsuitable for any densely populated urban area."

A previous application by the same firm was rejected last year.