A CHURCH has struck with a deal with a mobile phone company to bring in extra cash in return for allowing a mast to be put on the roof of its Grade II*-listed building.

But while the vicar at St Mary’s Brookfield in Highgate says there is nothing to worry about, neighbours have called on planning chiefs to block the project.

Opponents who have written to the Town Hall say the mast does not suit the historic building, while health fears have also been raised.

The Rev Guy Pope said: “While there will be some local objections I am sure, there is no viable scientific evidence that the masts post any danger to anyone and as the person living closest I am confident that it will not affect me.”

In his news bulletin to parishioners, he said: “It will make a significant difference to our finances,” adding that the church hall needed to replace its main doors.

THE vicar who wants his church to strike a phone mast deal with telecommunications giant EE fears people's everyday addiction to mobile phones is "taking its toll on family life".

In Brookfield News, the monthly magazine produced by Rev Guy Pope, readers are warned of the spread of "nomophobia". The warning article – titled: 'are you becoming nomophobic?' – explained: "'Nomo' stands for 'no mobile', and what you 'fear' is being out of contact, not connected. Nomophobia is taking its toll on family life, it seems… Psychiatrist are warning of widespread technology addiction and urge people to take 'holidays' from their gadgets"

It added: "Most of us won't manage that, but we might do well to heed at least one piece of advice: avoid screenlight for an hour before you sleep at night, in order to sleep properly. Phone addiction can be just as damaging as addiction to alcohol or gambling. If this is you, be honest, and consider the effect your screen addiction could be having on those people close to you."

Phone giants EE and Hutchison 3G have been scouring the area for a new site for a mast after being told being told by the landlord of a site at Hill House in Highgate Hill to take down their equipment due to redevelopment plans.

But not all of the church’s near neighbours believe the search should have been concluded at St Mary’s.

Rick Hutton, who lives close by, said in his objection: “If approved these applications would cause harm to the significance of a Grade II*-listed building and this harm is not outweighed by the benefits of the proposals,” warning there would be “undoubted damage” to a chimney.

Another Highgate resident told planners: “We do not know why the smoking of tobacco causes lung cancer but we do know that it does as indicated by statistical rates. Will the same apply to telephone masts given time?”

EE says that customers on their network will lose coverage unless it finds somewhere to put a new mast. The company said there had been no response to approaches at a series of locations including the Archway Tower Shaolin Temple in Junction Road and St Peter’s Church in Dartmouth Park Road.

Fiona Kadama, from EE, said the mast will “not have a significant impact on this designated heritage asset”.