TELECOMS giant Vodafone has launched an appeal after officials blocked plans to build new mast in Oxford’s Green Belt.

Oxford City Council planners rejected the application for the 17.5-metre construction in Port Meadow, because the development would be too “intrusive” at the beauty spot.

It would replace a 15-metre mast that is already located in the area.

Now Vodafone has appealed to the Government to obtain permission for the structure near Walton Well Road, which would be fitted with six separate antennas.

The Independent Planning Inspectorate will have the final say after taking writing statements from the phone giant and the council.

Refusing permission in April, head of city development Michael Crofton-Briggs said: “The installation would be prominent and visually intrusive in views from Port Meadow.

“As a result, the proposal would have a detrimental impact on the visual character of the area and the openness of the Green Belt.”

He added: “The applicant has failed to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that there are not alternative sites more suitable for the telecommunications equipment within the surrounding area.”

Residents and conservation groups have also hit out at the plans.

Ian Scargill, from the Oxford Green Belt Network, said: “We object to any kind of telecom mast in this highly sensitive place.

“We find it ugly and totally inappropriate in the green belt.”

Jane Baldwin, from the Oxford Preservation Trust, said: “These proposals represent inappropriate development, harming the visual amenity and openness of the green belt.

“We believe that the current mast already makes a significant impact on the area and on the views of the city from the meadow.”

Adrian Arbib, from the Jericho Community Centre, said the organisation was opposing the scheme in the “strongest possible terms”, adding: “The equipment has high-voltage ground-based equipment, which would be in an area very prone to flooding.

“Masts are at their most health damaging when in direct line of sight.

“People, often mothers and babies who are most affected by such radiation, standing on the railway bridge will be directly in the firing range.”

A decision is expected by early August.

Vodafone refused to comment.