MORE than 100 residents are objecting to fixing a phone mast to a Grade I building in Winchester.

O2 wants to install it on the tower of the chapel of the Hospital of St Cross.

It would be disguised as a flagpole and include three antennae.

A Winchester City Council committee will decide on Monday if the 3G mast can be built.

Members are due to visit the popular attraction in St Cross to assess the impact on the historical buildings.

The church is the oldest part of the complex, which dates to the 12th century.

The adjoining almshouses are Britain’s oldest, and the institution is thought to be England’s oldest charity.

But the move has upset residents with 121 writing to the council in opposition.

Their concerns include possible health risks, the impact on the buildings, whether other sites were considered, and if the mast is needed.

Governors at St Faith’s CE Primary School a quarter of a mile away have also objected. The council has received 18 letters backing the scheme. They argue that the mast would not be harmful, and the historic buildings would benefit from extra income.