PLANS for six mobile phone masts on the roof of a Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts building has divided Liverpool’s planning committee.

Vodafone and O2 were yesterday granted permission to place the antennae on a chimney on LIPA’s Hope Street building.

But angry councillors hit out at government guidelines which state they are not allowed to use health concerns to turn down phone masts.

Last night, LIPA principal Mark Featherstone-Witty said the school was still not sure it would allow the devices to be installed.

He said: “We will now progress with some more research.

“Our fate does not land or fall on £10,000-a-year, if that’s what it is going to be.”

Liberal Democrat Cllr Pat Maloney said: “Although I am a user of mobile phones, that’s my choice.

“It’s the people that don’t have a choice that concerns me .”

He said he would like to have been presented with information on how much radiation the devices would emit.

Planning committee member Lord Storey added: “I have real concerns about people’s health. The same arguments were used about asbestos and smoking. I think in years to come we will look back on this period with regret.

“LIPA are interested in some ready cash, but what price people’s health.

“I am afraid as a matter of principle I am voting against this.”