RESIDENTS protesting against the installation of a mobile mast near Nantwich look like winning their battle.

The borough planners are set to refuse an application to install a 22-metre mobile phone mast on the site which is at Cockshades Farm, off Stock Lane in Wybunbury.

Telephone company Orange has already had one application for the mast refused but still has its sights set on the site.

The new application has been moved 50 metres from the previous site and Orange is planning to screen any equipment with the use of poplar trees.

Objections and a petition with almost 100 signatures have been submitted to the planning committee by residents who are worried that the mast will ruin the landscape.

Stock Lane resident, Margaret Leedham, is one of those opposed to the masts and has been campaigning to keep the site mast-free for some time.

"I am concerned about the safety of these things, especially as we have children in this area," she explained.

The main objections include the health and safety issues related to the close proximity of the mast to houses, and the destruction of the rural landscape.

Planning officers have recommended refusal for the application but the final decision will be with the councillors at the meeting later today.

The reason for refusal has been given as, 'Unduly prominent and obtrusive feature within this flat rural landscape detracting from its character, appearance and openness'.