A Birmingham vicar who claims that cash secured from a plan to install a mobile phone mast in his church spire would be a "gift from God" has sparked fury among residents.
The Rev Matthew Tomlinson, left, the vicar at St Augustine's Church in Edgbaston, has angered residents by dismissing health concerns associated with phone masts.
He rejected city council rules that his Grade II listed building would need planning consent for the mast, which could bring in about £5,000 a year in rent for the church.
The Anglican church, which is situated in a conservation area on Lyttelton Road, has been identified by agents acting for the Archbishop's Council as a suitable location for a lucrative phone mast.
The Parochial Church Council, which runs the church, has agreed for the building to house a phone mast. However, residents said they opposed the plan.
Doreen Whitehouse, who lives in nearby Melville Road, said: "These mobile phone companies say that the masts are not bad for your health, but I am not convinced. I can see the spire of the church from my window and I am very opposed to this plan."
Rev Tomlinson said: "We are exempt from planning permission because the building is owned by the Church of England. It just needs the permission of the chancellor of the diocese."
