Shock move on Middleton mast

The telecoms company made the shock decision just as councillors were preparing to debate its prior notification to install the mast.

Vodafone's planning agent informed Arun District Council's planning department about the move while the development control committee meeting of the council was well underway.

In an e-mail timed at 4.02pm, Mark Walters, of Needham Haddrell chartered surveyors, said: 'If it is not too late, I would be grateful if you could withdraw the above application (for the Southern Water compound in Middleton Road) with immediate effect.'

It is rare for an application to be torn up in such a dramatic fashion just about an hour before the committee members are to discuss it.

Vodafone's actions delighted and stunned anti-mast protestors at the meeting.

Community campaign leader Mandy Brown, of Guernsey Farm Lane in Felpham, said: 'I am really pleased that this application has been withdrawn. It is good news for everyone involved with the protest.