Councillors have rejected plans to erect an 18 metre mobile phone mast next to a children's playground.

The plans for the proposed mast in Tooting Bec Common were overturned at a planning applications meeting on Tuesday.

In January Vodaphone and 02 requested planning permission for the mast to be built on the edge of Tooting Bec Common, adjacent to a newly refurbished playground off Cavendish Road.

But the 18 metre high mast, with a steel headframe and three antennas were deemed out of keeping with the surrounding environment.

There were also 65 objections from members of the public, including complaints from the Balham Society and Tooting Commons Management Advisory Committee.

Parents and councillors expressed fears the mast would be too close to The Tooting Triangle, off Cavendish road, which features a hammock, swings and a giant sandpit.

The mast would have been within 250 metres of the playground and a one o' clock club.

Bedford ward councillors Councillor Antonia Dunn, Councillor Alex Jacob and Councillor John Locker said the mast would overshadow the common.

Coun Jacob said: "I am delighted the planning applications committee listened to our arguments.

"This mast was the wrong design in the wrong place. We want to preserve the environment of Tooting Commons as a open green space free from urban clutter to be enjoyed by the local community."