They claim is looks like a battleship and could look like an aircraft carrier if a planning application goes ahead.

The mainly elderly residents of Elizabeth Court flats in Kings Road, Herne Bay, are objecting to a proposal for three mobile phone antennas in addition to the eight already extending from the roof.

Many among the 27 council flats have signed a petition objecting to the application by communications giant Telefonica 02.

“Enough is enough,” they write in a joint letter of protest. “One resident described the top of our building as looking like a battleship. If the new plan is allowed it will resemble an aircraft carrier.”

Their main concerns are that the building will not take any more weight - they say cracks are already appearing in the top floor flats - there will be unacceptable disruption to residents during the installation of the antennas and on health grounds as there is a nursery and infants school nearby.

James Stevenson, communications manager for Telefonica O2, has dismissed two out of the three objections.

“We would certainly contest the fact Elizabeth Court cannot take the weight of the proposed antennas,” he said. “We have had it properly surveyed, so we can put residents’ minds at rest on that problem.

“As for the concentration of mobile phone masts being detrimental to health we would contest that also.”

He said he would meet residents to discuss any disruption to residents during the period of construction.