RESIDENTS fighting against plans for a telecommunications mast at Critchmere Lane in Haslemere have claimed a victory against mobile phone giants Orange.

But Bela Hartmann and the team of protesters say they are preparing for an appeal against Waverley Borough Council's decision and will continue to rally even more support for the campaign.

Plans to construct the 15 metre tower were greeted with fear by people living near the sewerage works site in Critchmere Lane.

Mr Hartmann told The Herald that people were concerned about the possible effects of radiation and other health hazards.

With this background of strong public feeling, the group of objectors knocked on doors in the area asking for signatures for a petition and urging residents to write letters of concern.

Mr Hartmann said: "We had about 140 letters of objection and between 250 and 300 signatures on the petition.

"There was a wonderful response to our campaign. We were absolutely delighted with the amount of support we were given."

He added: "Quite often when people protesting go round to talk to residents they have to scare them to get them to respond.

"This was not the case with our campaign, people were very happy to object."

The original application for a telecommunication mast in Critchmere Lane was submitted earlier this year for a site on the other side of the road.

After objections from the town council, a new application was put forward to erect the structure within the sewerage works site. The amended plan was supported.

Applications for masts 15 metres tall or less do not need to be discussed by Waverley Borough Council's planning committee. The decision on whether to allow the development or not lies with one planning officer.

With this in mind, Mr Hartmann took the collection of objecting letters and the petition to the planning offices in Godalming last week.

An on Tuesday Critchmere Lane residents had reason to celebrate when planning officer Andrew Thompson decided to refuse the plans.

Although delighted with the news, Mr Hartmann says he is expecting the mobile phone company to appeal against the decision.

He said: "We believe the company will come back with an appeal and we are told that the chances of them winning this are high.

"This is why we need everyone to write again and get even more support. The council will have to defend its decision at an appeal and it is our job to underline the reasons why we objected."

Despite residents' concerns about the tower, a spokesperson for Orange maintains that there is "no conclusive link" between transmitter masts and long-term public health risks.

She said: "Orange has always operated, and will continue to operate, within the stringent national standards set for radio networks by the National Radiological Protection Board."