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Fears over safety forced planning chiefs to defer a decision in September on proposals to install a rooftop communications mast on high-rise flats at Deepdale Court in Northwold Drive.

Residents submitted a petition against the proposal after the plan was earlier deferred in August for further public consultation but since then the Human Rights Act 1998 has come into effect.

The Act states that there is a right to 'peaceful enjoyment of one's possessions which could include a person's home, other land and business assets'.

There is already one mast on the 17-storey block of council flats next to the new Persimmon private housing development on Victoria Avenue East.

The applicants, Atlantic Telecom, want to add an array of microwave dishes and antennae and five small equipment cabins to the roof.

People living on the upper floors of the block complain that the building was not constructed to hold such equipment on the roof and are worried that existing equipment is causing creaks and groans in the structure.

Blackley councillor Mark Hackett, who objects that there are uncertainties about the safety of mobile phone transmitters, is supporting the residents.

Planning policy favours telecommunications development but recognises the potential they can have on residential areas and because of this prefers them to be placed on existing buildings rather than erecting new masts.

A planning official said: "There has been some concern over recent months and in particular where the beams of intensity would be directed onto or near to sensitive locations.

"In this instance, the development would be a considerable distance from the nearest sensitive site, being North Manchester High School for Boys and therefore it is considered the development, in terms of siting, is acceptable."

Manchester City Council's planning committee will consider the proposal on Thursday, October 26 at Manchester Town Hall at 2pm.