A 5G mast planned on the outskirts of Bath has been rejected after hundreds of residents voiced concerns about the health impact of the new technology.

Planning bosses were warned against "flying in the face of" government guidance insisting that the rollout is safe and told that applicants 3 and EE would be likely to win an appeal.

Instead the application to upgrade an existing mast in Charlcombe Lane was rejected as an inappropriate development in the green belt.

A total of 343 people objected to the proposals, including top councillors and Bath MP Wera Hobhouse.

David Robinson told the virtual meeting of Bath and North East Somerset Council's planning committee: "343 objections represents significant community feeling that the local authority cannot ignore. There are too many omissions and risks for this application to progress. The community has sent a very clear message."

Paul McLachlan said he suffered from "electro-hypersensitivity" – a condition officers said was not linked to the frequencies the mast would use – and approving the mast would have long-term consequences for the health of Larkhall residents.

Fact checkers have refuted health concerns about 5G, which like the previous generations of wireless network technology uses radio waves to transmit information.

Full Fact said: "Radio waves cannot damage the DNA inside cells, which is how waves with higher frequencies (such as x-rays, gamma rays and ultraviolet light) are thought to cause cancer.

"5G uses a higher frequency of radio waves compared to its older generations. The frequency of this new wireless technology remains very low: the maximum levels of electromagnetic radiation measured by Ofcom were about 66 times smaller than the safety limits set by international guidelines."

But Bathavon North ward member Cllr Sarah Warren said the safety of the technology was still being debated.

She said: "The precautionary principle emphasises caution, pause and review before leaping into innovations that may prove disastrous.

"All the 343 residents who have objected are asking for is not to be used as guinea pigs in a global experiment.

"We don't need 5G. The only people benefiting from this development are the big technology companies. Please put our residents' health first."

The upgraded mast would have given EE and 3 new 5G coverage and improved service for 2G, 3G and 4G.

The government supports the rollout and follows the International Commission on Non"Ionizing Radiation Protection's guidance stating that 5G is safe.

Planning officer Chris Griggs-Trevarthan warned against "flying in the face" of that policy, adding: "If you were to go to appeal on that basis, an inspector would very likely allow the appeal and issue costs against the council.

"The benefits of 5G shouldn't be overlooked. We're on this meeting today via the internet, a lot of us using wireless internet. It's been a godsend in recent times."

The plans came back before the committee after a virtual site visit.

Proposing approval, Cllr Eleanor Jackson said: "This has been a thorough debate but our hands are tied by [national planning policy]. We have to weigh the pros and cons. The officer has made the case for accepting the application."

Cllr Duncan Hounsell said: "Certainty in science doesn't exist but I'm satisfied that 5G is safe. We have to set aside the health issue.

"The 5G can be of great benefit."

Cllr Jackson's motion failed.

Members voted through Cllr Sue Craig's motion to refuse permission because the development would be inappropriate in the green belt.