City council officials have thrown out plans for a mobile phone mast on a block of flats in Wilbury Road, Hove.

It is an unusual decision since most applications for masts are approved by planners who often feel they have no alternative.

But before people all over the city celebrate, the planners felt they were on strong grounds with their decision over Wilbury Lodge.

The mast would have been clearly visible from the street and would have been in a conservation area.

If the decision withstands any appeal that may be made by telecommunications giant Orange, it sets clear guidelines for future applications.

There is a real case for refusing large and ugly masts in conservation areas but no such protection is likely in many cases elsewhere.