The Planning Inspectorate has pulled the plug on illuminated motorway service signs which sparked fury among the people of Cobham.

Plans to erected two nine-metre totem signs with lit logos at the M25 Cobham services were refused by Elmbridge Council in November last year.

The signs were proposed for the eastbound and westbound carriageways and after refusal, applicant Extra MSA Property UK appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.

In her report, planning inspector Joanne Jones said she acknowledged that the totem structures had been reduced in height since their initial refusal by the council, but on her visit to the site, noted the signs would be "particularly large and visible in the surrounding countryside, particularly when illuminated".

Ms Jones said additional signs would make the site cluttered and said the "proliferation of signage would be seen in marked and incongruous contrast with the surrounding open countryside", therefore dismissing the appeal on Monday, July 21.

David Tipping, vice-chairman of the Cobham Conservation and Heritage Trust, said: "We welcome the view made by the inspector that the proposed totems would appear as incongruous feature out of place with its immediate surroundings and this harm would be especially pronounced at night.

"The service station has already destroyed 60 acres of greenbelt land and affected the lives of the people living in the village of Downside with its noise and light pollution."