Mobile phone masts

The siting of mobile phone masts has caused huge concern across the country. While many of us use our phones frequently, people are questioning the need for yet more masts.

The problem goes back to planning laws passed by the last Conservative Government. These gave “permitted development rights” to companies installing masts. Put simply, it meant councils had no power to stop masts.

Things have changed slightly. The current Government allowed councils to consider issues like a mast’s visual impact - or “amenity value”. In exceptional cases, councils have stopped mast applications, without then losing an appeal to central government’s Planning Inspectorate. However, now companies rarely choose sites where views are affected.

The solution lies in changing the law in Parliament.

In a recent debate on planning application fees, I asked Ministers to increase fees for mast applications: that would act as a disincentive, and enable councils to consult more widely.

My Liberal Democrat colleague, Andrew Stunell MP, will shortly present The Telecommunications Mast (Planning Control) Bill to toughen planning control, with the ‘precautionary principle’, giving safeguards for schools, homes and medical facilities from the risk of excessive radiation.

His bill is inspired by Sir William Stewart, the government’s former Chief Advisor on masts and health, and follows recommendations of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Mobile Phones. It’s a good bill – but Ministers look set to oppose it.