PLANS for an Olympic communications mast have been sent back to the drawing board by councillors who took in the views of a large group of protesters.

Airwave Solutions Ltd had wanted to build an 18 metre mast on land at Gardeners Farm, off Fluxs Lane, in Epping, for use by the emergency services during the 2012 games.

But Epping Forest District Council's planning committee last night (September 15) unanimously rejected the scheme, which had attracted a petition of 81 objectors.

Epping district councillor Chris Whitbread said: “I think the committee agreed with the residents' objections.

“It's out in the country up Fluxs Lane, but there's still residential properties near it. Not only would it be obtrusively in the Green Belt, it would affect residents.

“They need to go away and find a better place for it.”

Gary Levy, 55, of Fluxs Lane, who was among residents objecting to the scheme said:“I'm very happy with the decision and very happy with the councillors. I do think common-sense prevailed. It's totally wrong to put these things near people's private houses. If they put it in a field where no-one's around then we wouldn't like it but we'd accept it.”

Mr Levy praised the active part played by residents in the objection adding:“I think when the officers recommended it for approval the councillors wouldn't normally be so informed, but we really did our homework on this and made sure everyone knew what was going on and I think they realised this is a very high frequency mast compared to a normal one.”

Airwave spokesman Rupert Cazalet did not rule out an appeal against the decision but said his company's main priority now was finding an alternative location.

“We are frustrated because the planning officer recommended approval. We'll be coming back as soon as we can with a revised application,” he said.