Workers have given a cautious welcome to news that a mobile phone company has withdrawn its plans to erect a mast on their office roof.

Vodafone had asked Brighton and Hove City Council for permission for the mast on top of Intergen House on Western Road, Hove.

Workers in the eight-storey building, which is owned by a freeholder, and nearby residents objected.

Lib Dem city councillor Paul Elgood joined the opposition and launched a petition against the mast, which would have been in a conservation area.

It was due to be discussed by the council's planning applications sub-committee but has now been withdrawn.

Coun Elgood said: "This is tremendous news.

"We're glad the application has been withdrawn especially as there was an overwhelming case against the application from residents and businesses."

Freelance photographer Bip Mistry works on the seventh floor and was among the objectors.

He said: "It's great news. I assumed it was done and dusted and would go up.

"I am pleased but I'm not sure if we've seen the last of it."

A spokeswoman for Vodafone said the application had been withdrawn so more consultation with council officers over the design could take place.

She said: "There were some outstanding issues with it being in a conservation area.

"We felt we wanted to have further talks with the local planning officers that they were completely happy with the design side of things."

It follows a case in Hove but in April the council approved the plan as the mast was shorter and disguised as a flagpole.