Every week, many people are shocked to find a mobile phone mast suddenly appearing behind the garden or next to a local school or hospital. This has happened on many occasions near schools and homes in my constituency of Hazel Grove, upsetting and worrying residents.
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. Back in the early 1990s the Conservatives did a deal with the phone companies to cut planning controls for masts, allowing telecommunications companies to erect masts without going through the full planning procedure. All they have to do is put one A4 notice up near to the site, ignoring local residents' concerns and disempowering local councillors.
A fuss about nothing?
Many people have genuine and legitimate concerns about the adverse effects on their health from mobile phone masts close to schools, hospitals and homes. The Stewart Report concluded that health issues had not yet been resolved and that a 'precautionary approach' should be used when considering the sitting of masts. The government takes the view that "there's nothing to worry about - we know best". Their view is reinforced by Gordon Brown's deal with the phone companies, who paid billions for their licences to the Treasury, and now want their pound of flesh!
Challenging the government
I decided to take action by challenging the government to change the law to bring mobile phone masts back under proper planning control. My Bill would bring in the 'precautionary principle', giving extra safeguards for schools, homes, and medical facilities from the risk of excessive radiation. Local authorities would be able to refuse planning permission on health grounds and industry would have to produce more evidence about the radiation emitted.
I have tried to get this Bill onto the statute books for the last two years, but each time it has been opposed by the Government. In March 2007 I presented it to Parliament agains, and it is due for its Second Reading Debate on the 19th October. Watch this space to see what happens!
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