Planners are fighting running battles with mobile phone giants across the borough over the installation of new masts up to 20m high.

Just this week, officials blocked plans for pole of 15m on a prominent site close to Orleans School, Twickenham.

This is just one of a number of recent applications by mobile phone giants pushing for new supersize masts for the roll-out of next generation of 5G services.

And, just as each one is killed off, so the mobile phones then push for an appeal or launch a series of new applications.

Each mast, which generally dwarfs surrounding buildings, normally comes with a series of grey cabinets. And each application has met with protests from residents in neighbouring properties.

• An appeal has been lodged after an application for a 15m pole on the Lower Mortlake Road, near to Sheendale Road, Richmond, was rejected in November.

• Application for 20m 5G mast at junction of High Street and Uxbridge Road, Hampton, refused November.

• Application for 20m 5G pole opposite The Old Coach House, Ham Common, Petersham Road, refused in October.

• Application for 15m 5G pole at junction Of Cedar Avenue And Hounslow Road, Twickenham, refused in October.

• Application for a 20m mast outside Broome Court, Sandycombe Road, Richmond, was rejected by officials in September.

• Application for 18m 5G mast, Station Road, Hampton, refused September.

• Application for 20m mast outside 211-217 Lower Richmond Road, rejected September.

Councillors in the borough have been fighting the masts although, generally, the decisions are made by officials rather than being referred to elected councillors.

Cllr James Chard welcomed the decision to reject the 15m mast near the junction of Haggard Road and Richmond Road, which is close to Orleans school.

He said: "Thanks to Council officers for listening carefully to concerns raised by councillors and residents over a planning application for a 15m telecoms monopole outside Leeson House on Haggard Road.

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"Inappropriate site and confirmed today that the application has been refused."

Last year, the Council leader, Gareth Roberts, welcomed a decision to block an 18m mast overlooking Hampton Village Green.

He said: "Nobody denies we need better connectivity but this site was simply unacceptable."

The government has signaled it is keen to allow mobile phone companies to push ahead with the erection of new masts which could, in some circumstances, be 50m high, in order to support new 5G mobile phone services.