Mobile Phone Mast Controls Welcomed (Andrew Simpson)

Mobile Phone Mast Controls Welcomed

April 20, 2007 10:27 AM

"The positioning of phone masts has upset many people in Northampton"

Lib Dem candidate for Northampton North constituency, Andrew Simpson, has welcomed a new Bill that aims to bring mobile phone masts under strict planning control and bring in the 'precautionary principle', giving extra safeguards for schools, homes, and medical facilities from the risk of excessive radiation.

The Bill has been presented to Parliament by Lib Dem Shadow Local Government Secretary Andrew Stunell and challenges the government to change the law to give local communities more control over where telephone masts are sited.

Andrew Simpson said:

"The positioning of phone masts has upset many people in Northampton as masts have been put up close to schools, hospitals and residential areas. There are dozens of stories of people coming home from work to find a mast that they knew nothing about at the end of their garden.

"The Conservatives did a deal with the phone companies when they were in government to cut planning controls for masts. Under the current ridiculous rules it is easier to get planning permission for a 15 metre mast than it is for a 5 metre conservatory.

"This Bill will allow planning authorities to take account of health concerns and will require the industry to produce more evidence about the radiation emitted, and to justify the need for each mast.

It is a pity that when this issue was raised locally with Sally Keeble MP she failed to even acknowledge the letter."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1) The Telecommunications Mast (Planning Control) Bill was presented to Parliament by Andrew Stunell MP on 28th March 2007. The Bill is listed for Second Reading on June 29th 2007, although a shortage of parliamentary time means it may not be reached for debate.