Currently, fewer restrictions govern planning applications for phone masts up to 15 metres in height, often making it difficult for councils to refuse permission for controversial proposals.

Liberal Democrats in Parliament recently moved an amendment to the Planning Bill which would have meant applications for phone masts would have required full planning permission and therefore be considered in the same way as applications for new buildings or change of use of existing ones.

But Labour MPs, including Dan Norris, voted against the call and Conservative MPs did not bother voting at all despite having a manifesto commitment to introduce this planning requirement.

“Dan Norris had the opportunity to side with local communities or with giant phone companies,” said Gail Coleshill, Lib Dem Spokesperson for North East Somerset. “It is extremely disappointing so see that he decided to back the latter.”

“The change the Liberal Democrats proposed in the House of Commons would have given residents a fighting chance to stop inappropriately sited phone masts. It would have meant the phone companies would have had to apply for full planning permission in the same way that any other business would need to.”