A NEW battle is looming over plans to install a mobile phone mast at the "gateway" to the New Forest.

Vodaphone has lodged an appeal after planners rejected its application to install the mast next to the White Hart pub in Southampton Road, Cadnam.

The pub overlooks a busy roundabout used by motorists coming off the M27 and heading for the heart of the Forest.

Vodaphone's application was rejected last November after the proposed transmitter was branded a "monstrosity" at a meeting of the district council's planning and development control committee.

Brockenhurst councillor Maureen Holding told the committee: "Cadnam is the gateway to the New Forest.

"If this mast is installed it's the first thing people will see when they come off the motorway. Why should we allow a monstrosity like that?"

The application was also attacked by Cadnam councillor Derek Tipp, who said the mast would be an eyesore for local residents.

Members went against the advice of planning officers and rejected the application.

Now Vodaphone has lodged an appeal with government planners, who have the power to overturn the committee's decision.

A report accompanying the appeal says the ten-metre past would plug a gap in reception in the Cadnam, Copythorne and Bartley area, which includes the A31.

It also says the proposal would ensure the mast was well away from a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The report adds: "The site fulfils the criteria, is acceptable to the planning officers and has the least environmental impact of any alternatives.

"We will demonstrate that there are no existing telecommunications sites and no suitable tall buildings.

"We will also show that a number of alternative sites were considered, including ones outside the New Forest Heritage Area."