Kennet district council turned down the planning application for a mast near Marlborough at a meeting on Thursday.

Over 400 objections to the proposal were received by the council, and 25 local residents turned out for the meeting to register their protest.

Hutchinson 3G, the company behind the application, said it was too early to say if it would appeal against the decision.

'Absolutely delighted'

The council refused the request on the grounds of visual impairment; the fact that a conservation area borders the ground where the mast was intended, and loss of amenities to residents.

Mark Denyer, a local resident who led the protest, told BBC News Online:"I am absolutely delighted. This is Christmas come early."

A spokesperson for Hutchinson 3G said the news was disappointing.

"We will now have to consider our options, but did believe this was a good solution," he said.

The application was for one mast with three 11-metre antennae near Marlborough.

No one from Kennet District Council was available for comment.