Marlborough and the mast...
LIB DEMS CALL FOR A CHANGE OF PLANNING REGULATIONS FOR MOBILE PHONE
MASTS
The Liberal Democrats have called on the Deputy Prime Minister to radically change the planning regulations for mobile phone masts and base stations following widespread concern by the public.
The Liberal Democrats are demanding:
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
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
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.
(Phil Willis, Lib Dem MP and Chair of the All Party Mobile Group Inquiry into masts and base stations, 12/08/04)