RESIDENTS have fended off a series of fresh applications by Vodafone to build phone masts in Winchester.

Winchester City Council planning officers rejected all four bids after receiving dozens of letters from objectors.

It is the third time that Vodafone has sought permission for a batch of fresh masts to boost coverage in the city.

Previous attempts have either been withdrawn or refused, and have triggered plenty of local opposition.

The company’s latest attempt was no exception, with residents rallying to the cause once more.

Vodafone wanted to build at Stoke Road in Abbotts Barton along with Chilbolton Avenue in Winchester.

The junction of Stoney Lane and Stockbridge Road in Weeke, near the Waitrose store, was being targeted too.

Vodafone also wanted to build at Andover Road North in Harestock, which was refused a fortnight ago.

The other three plans have now been rejected and residents are celebrating their latest success.

Mother-of-three Julie Mitton, who has led the campaign against the Stoke Road scheme, said the site is wrong.

Backed by her neighbours, she has always argued that the 13.8-metre mast should not be built in a residential area.

Stoke Road is right on the edge of Winchester, and campaigners say the nearby countryside would be a better choice.

She also criticised Vodafone for re-applying when residents had already made their views known.

“Let’s hope there’s not another application to the same site in the future,” she said.

Vodafone can still submit fresh bids, or appeal to the planning inspectorate against the refusals.