A PHONE mast will be built on the chapel tower of a listed Hampshire building despite a wealth of opposition from residents.

More than 120 people objected to the plan for the Grade I listed Hospital of St Cross in Winchester, branding the proposed mock flagpole a “white elephant’s leg”.

Objectors raised fears over possible health risks, and the impact on St Faith’s CE Primary School nearby.

They also raised concerns about the effect on St Cross Hospital. Not only is it a 12th century building, but it also contains Britain’s oldest almshouses.

Founded in 1136 by William the Conquerer’s grandson, Henry de Blois, it is thought to be England’s oldest charity.

Around 20 letters of support were also received for O2’s scheme, which hospital trustees backed, saying it would generate rent.

Cllr Ian Tait said the hospital was one of the “most important buildings in Britain”.

He said: “This has split the community between residents who strongly support the trustees and residents who are firmly against this application.”

O2 says the mast is needed for better 3G coverage, and that the mock flagpole would not be an eyesore.

Planning officers agreed, although councillors had the final say, and about 20 residents came to lobby them.

They brought a map pinpointing where supporters lived, aiming to show that many were outside St Cross.

Planning barrister Scott Stemp, who lives near the hospital, questioned if the ten-metre mast was needed. He also objected to its width, which would be 3.5cm larger at its base and 10.5cm at the top than the current pole.

“It will no longer resemble a flagpole, it will resemble a painted white elephant’s leg,” he said.

Cllr Karen Barratt, Lib Dem, said she was worried about altering the historic building.

She said: “With these arguments, I think you could justify replacing parts of Winchester Cathedral with plastic if it was indiscernible.”

Afterwards, Mr Stemp said residents would consider legal action to fight the ruling.