The firm's proposal to site the mast on a grass verge along Elmer Road close to two grassed areas was given the go-ahead by a planning inspector.

William Cunningham overturned Arun District Council's refusal of the plans. He said the 12m high mast's location close to, but outside, the open space meant that it could be installed.

He also said it was not insensitive to site the structure opposite the mid-19th century St Nicholas Church because the church was not a listed building.

Bognor Regis Civic Society deputy chairman Hugh Coster, who opposed the plans, said: "I am particularly angry about this decision. It would seem to me that it is entirely illogical.

"The inspector has failed to take account of a number of important factors. Vodafone already have a mast in this village and the fact they want to put up another one takes no account of mast sharing, which is what mobile phone companies are supposed to do nowadays."

Full report in the November 9 issue of the Bognor Regis Observer