An application to build a controversial 50ft phone mast in a conservation area has been withdrawn. 

Residents, schools and businesses had united to condemn the plans submitted by Telefonica UK Ltd for a 15m steel constructed transmitter and four cabinet boxes outside the Toyota car dealership in High Road, Woodford Green. 

Redbridge council received more than 140 objections, including ones from MP Iain Duncan Smith and Wells Primary School, in Barclay Oval, before the application was withdrawn yesterday. 

It was withdrawn on the advice of Redbridge Council planning officers. 

A council spokesman said: "“The application was withdrawn on December 2 after council officers advised the agent that the application was likely to be refused planning permission."

The mast would have sat in the middle of the pavement in the Woodford Wells Conservation area, which spans from Epping New Road to the boundary of Barclay Oval.  

Managing director at Hills of Woodford, Ashley Humphries, welcomed the news. 

He said: "This is excellent news. 

"Locally, it caused quite an outrage and everybody got behind opposing it. It was totally in the wrong place and was unacceptable. 

"They have made the right decision."

Objections had been submitted from residents across Woodford, but there was particularly strong opposition from people living in the High Road, Mornington Road, Monkhams Lane, Theydon Grove, and Grosvenor Gardens. 

Resident Valerie Coleman, of Percival House in High Road described the proposal as a "monstrosity", whereas headteacher Jill Henderson of Wells Primary School raised concerns over the effect of masts on children’s health.

Other schools in the vicinity include Bancroft's and Avon House Preparatory School, in High Road, and Trinity Catholic High School and St Antony's Catholic Primary School, in Mornington Road. 

Telefonica had previously considered 13 other sites locally, including the rooftop of St Thomas of Canterbury Church and the pavement outside of The Traveller's Friend, both in the High Road

Parent Vicky Babbs of Forest Way whose six-year-old daughter attends Wells Primary School said: "We do not want a clear signal at any price."

Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Ltd (CTIL), the company behind the installation of grid networks for Vodafone and o2 has been contacted for a comment.