Councillors in Brighton and Hove have been courageous in their decision to refuse five applications for mobile phone masts and equipment.

It's a boldness which borders on recklessness because their decisions could land the council with a hefty bill for costs.

Members of the planning committee have felt frustrated until now in dealing with countless applications for masts.

They have either found the masts do not even need planning permission or that if they do, health factors are as yet unfounded and cannot be used as a reason for refusal.

Councillors have now latched on to a court judgement which said health was a material consideration in some applications.

They have used that and other concerns about siting as their reason for refusal.

It's risky because they were advised that, in some cases, applicants have submitted certificates saying their installations will meet health guidelines.

This could mean that if the mobile phone companies appeal, as is almost certain, they stand a good chance of winning.

Many people who are worried about masts will applaud the council for its decision and be prepared to pay the extra legal costs in their council tax bill.

An appeal would clear up the uncertainty regarding these applications and lead to easier decision making for councillors in Brighton and Hove and elsewhere.