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Local MP calls for tighter controls on mobile phone masts
June 28, 2005 1:50 PM
It is easier for phone companies to get planning permission for a mobile phone mast than it is to make changes to your own front porch or garage Paul Burstow revealed today. The MP for Sutton and Cheam has been speaking out in Parliament about the planning regulations for masts which he believes give far too much power to mobile phone companies and not enough to local residents.
He called on the Government to tighten planning law surrounding masts. As the law currently stands, masts under 15 metres can be put up without the need for full planning permission.
In the debate Paul Burstow drew attention to a local situation in Fieldsend Road, Cheam where plans for a mast have been approved but no consultation with residents has taken place. The local MP has been supporting residents who oppose the siting of a mast in this road.
Paul Burstow has also backed a Bill that would ensure that decisions about where to place masts could not be taken without proper consultation with residents. The Private Members Bill would allow health and environmental factors to be considered in planning decisions; currently they cannot be taken into account. The Bill would also require that phone companies set out the area and range of the most intense radiofrequency radiation created by the mast.
This Bill has been introduced twice before and each time has received considerable cross party support. Government and the mobile phones industry are opposed to the Bill but MPs are determined to continue pushing for its reforms.
Paul Burstow commented:
'In my experience residents feel let down and shut out from the planning process. The Minister has talked a lot about the importance of involving local people but this talk needs to be backed up by a change in planning law.
It cannot be right that residents are subject to more stringent planning controls over their own porches and conservatories than mobile phone companies are over masts that affect the whole area.
Despite the strength of support for planning law change from all parties, Government is still not listening. I will continue to campaign on this issue to see that local people's objections are taken seriously in the planning process.'
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