A bid by a mobile phone company to install a 15-metre mast in a Coventry green area has been thwarted.

Orange has asked for permission to erect the lattice construction at the RSPCA home in Coundon Wedge Drive, Allesley.

But planning officers decided that it would spoil the surrounding area, which is green belt land.

A previous application for a mast on nearby land was also rejected.

Orange had wanted to install six small antennae on the site, and also a various bits of equipment to allow the mobile phone signals to be relayed.

The application was rejected by planning officer Marcus Fothergill.

Because of the nature of the application planning officers are allowed to make a decision without referring the matter to councillors, but must come to a conclusion within a month.

Orange have six months to appeal against the decision.

Mr Fothergill said the mast would have spoiled the appearance of the area.

He said: