Lib Dems call for a change to planning regulations for mobile phone masts (Andrew Simpson)

Lib Dems call for a change to planning regulations for mobile phone masts

August 16, 2004 8:58 PM

'Local people should have more power to refuse mobile phone masts'

Local Liberal Democrats have welcomed the moves by their national party to call on John Prescott the Deputy Prime Minister to radically change the planning regulations for mobile phone masts and base stations following widespread concern by the public.

Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North, Andrew Simpson said "We have already seen locally, with the case of Weston Favell school, how the current planning rules do not allow the public or local authorities to stop mobile phone masts at locations they don't think are suitable. The law needs changing so the masts are considered like any other planning application".

The Lib Dems are calling for:

• An end to the charade of pre-application scrutiny placing this requirement on a statutory footing.

• A requirement that all masts and base stations require full planning permissions so ending the current permitted development rights.

• A requirement for all local authorities to agree 'roll out' plans one year in advance with mobile operators.

• An adoption of the 'precautionary' principle proposed by Professor Stewart that beams from masts do not fall on schools, playing fields or hospitals

Earlier this year Lib Dem County Councillor Sally Beardsworth successfully persuaded the County Council to refuse the future siting of mobile phone masts at schools and other educational establishments. But under current regulations where there are existing masts the mobile phone companies can get developer rights to site additional and more powerful masts.

"The public should not be held to ransom by a Government that has taken £22 billion from the mobile phone companies and is frightened to stand up to them over this issue. Only by redressing the balance between mobile operators and the public can a sensible roll out of the technology we all enjoy be guaranteed" continued Andrew Simpson.