Neighbours say their future is bright after winning a two-year fight against plans for a phone mast on their block of flats.

People living in Wilbury Lodge, Wilbury Road, Hove, have praised council officers for finally blocking the application by mobile phone giant Orange.

Brighton and Hove City Council's planning experts refused the application without even putting it to the planning committee, saying it would be a blot on the landscape in a conservation area.

Ted Bailey, who led the residents' campaign, said: "I spoke to the officer concerned and he said he was not happy with the amount of equipment that would be put on the roof.

"We did not think we would stand much of a chance against a big organisation like Orange but this time the council has backed the residents and we are delighted."

They thought they had won their battle last year when Orange withdrew its original application.

The firm bowed to public pressure and promised to look for alternative sites in the area after listening to residents' views at a public meeting.

However, the company resubmitted its plans in January, saying that none of the 15 alternative sites investigated was suitable.

Liberal Democrat councillor Jenny Barnard-Langston, who backed the residents' campaign, praised the latest decision.

She said: "I think the council have taken a very brave decision."

A council spokeswoman said: "The proposed telecommunications equipment, by virtue of height, clutter and visual prominence, was incongruous and unduly prominent."

A spokesman for Orange said: "We are naturally disappointed at the council's decision and will be reviewing our options on how to improve coverage for our customers in the area."