WORRIED parents are concerned that a mobile phone mast could still be built near a nursery, despite planning officers refusing it permission.

Late last month, Bexley Council planning officers turned down plans for an 12.5 metre high O2 and Vodafone mast at Okehampton Crescent in Bexleyheath.

It was refused because its site, design and scale. The mast was deemed to be intrusive, overbearing and incongruous for its location.

But mum-of-two Michala Harbert, who started a petition to get the application turned down, is concerned the decision will be appealed.

Ms Harbert, of Gipsy Road, said: “All the mums are outraged because the health issues around these masts are not proven either way.

“Our argument is, why is it being put in such a residential area? We’ll more or less be living under it.”

The 33-year-old has also canvased support from ward councillors and MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford David Evennett.

Anti-mast protestors claim radiation emitted from the poles could be hazardous to human health, though no link has been proven.

Debbie Creech, who runs the nearby St Andrew's Playgroup in Brampton Road said she had personally written to the developers and had spoken to anxious parents.

She said: “My concern is I run a preschool with 40 children a day and nothing’s been confirmed about health effects.”

Jim Stevenson, a community liasion officer for Vodafone and O2, said an appeal was being considered.

He said: “We’re going to go and talk to the nursery and explain to them what we’re doing and what we want to accomplish.”