A council has admitted it failed to act in time to prevent a mobile phone mast being built.

Brighton and Hove City Council has also admitted its officers failed to respond to letters from residents objecting to the mast.

The admissions come as the council awaits the outcome of an investigation by Local Government Ombudsman Tony Redmond.

He is investigating the council's handling of an application by Orange for the mast in Hangleton Way, Hove.

A copy of the council's letter admitting the mistakes has been sent to Mr Redmond by Hangleton Way resident David Garner.

Mr Garner reported the authority to the ombudsman in February, accusing it of maladministration.

An investigation was launched by the housing and environment department.

Under planning rules, the council had 42 days to inform Orange of its intention to object to the application. It failed to do so in time and the mast was approved by default.

Claire Pullan, members support officer, told Mr Garner: "The council did fail to respond to the application within 42 days and this aspect of your complaint is partially upheld.

"This was due to the volume of work at the time. New procedures should ensure this does not occur again.

"You complained officers did not respond to letters from residents and this aspect of your complaint is upheld."

Mr Garner said: "I can't help feeling angry and frustrated.

"Because of the council's mistake, my neighbours and I are left with a mast we had worked hard to prevent being put up."