Wandsworth Council last night rejected all eight applications by Orange to build mobile phone masts in Southfields.

The planning committee said the refusals were due to heavy public objection, obstruction to footpaths, and detriment to the visual appearance of the area.

The decision ended months of anxiety for residents in West Hill and East Putney, who said the masts were a health hazard.

Several complained they had not been properly consulted by the phone company.

Southfields pop star John Otway, who staged a protest against one mast planned for St Michael's playing fields, was at Wandsworth town hall to hear the decision.

"It was such a ridiculous place to put a mast," he said. "Orange needs to consult with people and find a nice sensible place to build its mast."

West Hill Councillor Elizabeth Howlett, who spoke against the applications at the meeting, said: "It's terrific. I hadn't expected all of them to be refused. But Orange can appeal, and I'm sure they will."

An Orange spokesman said: "Although we understand people's concerns about the health issues surrounding mobile phone masts, there is currently no evidence to suggest ill health despite many years of research."