Residents are fearful about the health effects of the mast

North Norfolk District Council issued the "stop" notice against O2 on Friday after councillors voted in favour of the move with a 12 to one majority.

Campaigners, who say the mast is a health threat, welcomed the decision.

Leader Matthew Pennington said: "I am enormously relieved - the council has done very well by its constituents."

Mast near a nursery

The mast was switched on in Yarmouth Road in February 2004 without planning permission and a retrospective application was refused by North Norfolk District Council.

While the two sides wait for the outcome of O2's appeal against refusal, the town council is to issue the "stop" notice on Monday.

Mr Pennington told BBC News Online: "We are waiting for the planning inspectorate who will look at various factors - resident fears of the potential health risk and also whether the company picked the best site rather than the most convenient.

"The mast is near a nursery and two other schools and also the sixth form college," he added.

The mast is part of a new system used by emergency services designed to remove problems of poor coverage.

In a letter to the Mr Pennington, Chief Supt Kevin Wilkins from the Operations Communication Centre in Wymondham, highlighted his concerns:

"I must emphase that in considering an alternative it is imperative that there is no compromise on the operational coverage provided."

North Walsham councillor Virginia Gay said issuing the "stop" notice would "defend the public interest".