A MOBILE phone giant has acted "despicably" by starting work to install a 15 metre (49ft) mast which had been refused planning permission.

Vodafone was thwarted as residents stopped engineers connecting electricity to a half-built mast in Brookhouse Way, Cheadle, last week.

The communications firm claimed it could go ahead because notice of planning refusal had not been received within a stipulated period.

But Councillor Stephen Ellis, portfolio holder for planning at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, insisted the application had been thrown out.

He said the authority had worked to find a more suitable location for a mast, intended to improve reception for Cheadle-based 3G customers.

But, despite reviewing 10 alternative sites, the firm would only consider building on the opposite side of Brookhouse Way, as revealed in the Post & Times in September.

Mr Ellis said: "There was no way we would consider an application on the other side, but that is no reason for Vodafone to go back to a plan which has been ruled out.

"The original work was started before an eight-week period for notice elapsed. They certainly do not have planning permission.

"I am not happy with the way the company has conducted itself and it will face the wrath of the district council. Vodafone's actions have been despicable."

Former JCB worker Barry Snape, of Greenways, was threatened with arrest after trying to stop Central Networks connecting electricity to the mast on Friday.

Police said the grandfather-of-four presented a health and safety risk to himself and workers.

Mr Snape – who lives just yards from the proposal – took to the streets at 6am.

The 67-year-old said: "I have recovered from skin cancer and have prostate trouble. The last thing I want is a device the other side of my back garden giving out radio waves."

Handyman Pete Hudson, aged 63, of The Green, said: "There seems no point to a democratic planning process if big firms are prepared to ignore decisions."

Councillor Ron Locker was supporting the protest.

He said: "This battle has already been fought and won. These people should not have to go through the whole process again."

Vodafone spokesman Dr Rob Matthews said the firm was currently reviewing what happened at the site.

He said: "Over the last year, we have approached the council on several occasions to identify the exact location of an alternative site, but they have not supplied us with any information and, accordingly, we began development of the consent that we have."

Legal action against Vodafone will be considered at a meeting of the council's planning committee tomorrow.