A DECISION on whether a phone mast can be built on top of a Grade I listed property in Winchester was postponed.

O2 wants to install it on the roof of the chapel at the historic Hospital of St Cross, which dates back to the 12th century.

A Winchester City Council planning sub-committee was due to visit the site yesterday. However, the trip was called off because more time was needed to carry out a survey to identify if there were bats in the area.

A new date for the decision is not yet known, but a rescheduled meeting is expected within a few weeks.

About 120 people objected to the plan, with their concerns including possible health risks, and damaging the appearance of the hospital building.