PLANNERS are set to approve mobile phone antennae inside one of York's most distinctive church spires, despite almost 40 letters of protest.

Telecommunications firm T-Mobile (UK) Ltd's proposal could secure the future of St Laurence's Church in Lawrence Street, by providing an important source of regular income.

The Victorian Grade II Listed Building was saved from demolition in 2003 thanks to a £300,000 revamp backed by English Heritage, but still faces financial pressures, as expenses continue to rise and congregations tend to decline.

Churchwarden Brian Fletcher said the T-Mobile deal would help preserve the building for future generations, while avoiding spoiling the appearance of the church.

He welcomed news that City of York Council's Planning and Transport (East Area) Committee, which meets tomorrow, was being urged by officers to approve the scheme for three antennae inside the spire and two equipment cabinets in the church grounds.

A report to the committee said that 39 letters of objection had been received, some claiming that local residents' health would be compromised. Objectors said the site was within a heavily populated area which included schools, and not enough was yet known about the health risks of mobile phone masts for permission to be granted.

Some opponents also claimed that the equipment would detract from the historical significance of the church, and that the purpose of the church was not for telecommunications.

The report said that St Laurence's Primary School, situated 200 metres from the church, had passed on a local resident's letter, objecting on health grounds, without comment.

One opponent of the plan, Larry Taylor, of Barbican Mews, has said he believed it was immoral for the Church of England to be using its spires throughout the land as phone stations, when it should be creating moral standards.

T-Mobile has told the Evening Press previously that, based on over 40 years of research, it is confident that its base stations, operating within strict national and international guidelines recognised by the World Health Organisation, do not present a health risk to any member of the public.

It said installing the antennae inside the church spire also met with Government guidelines on reducing the visual impact of masts.

Updated: 10:37 Wednesday, April 13, 2005