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Tougher phone mast rules proposed Tougher phone mast rules proposed
(about 2 hours later)
Tougher planning rules for new mobile phone masts could be introduced in Wales.Tougher planning rules for new mobile phone masts could be introduced in Wales.
Campaigners have welcomed the move, but mobile phone operators claim that it could damage Wales' digital future.Campaigners have welcomed the move, but mobile phone operators claim that it could damage Wales' digital future.
At present, new masts under 15m in height are automatically erected unless councils object to them within 56 days. At present, new masts under 15m (49ft)tall are automatically erected unless councils object to them within 56 days.
But a report by academics commissioned by the assembly government has recommended that all masts should be subject to full planning permission.But a report by academics commissioned by the assembly government has recommended that all masts should be subject to full planning permission.
The siting of mobile phone masts has been a controversial issue in some areas over the past few years, with worries particularly over health and the impact on house prices and the local environment.The siting of mobile phone masts has been a controversial issue in some areas over the past few years, with worries particularly over health and the impact on house prices and the local environment.
We weren't given enough time to object and we would have preferred a lot longer Kath Sayce, anti-mobile phone mast campaignerWe weren't given enough time to object and we would have preferred a lot longer Kath Sayce, anti-mobile phone mast campaigner
Many groups have protested against plans, and the report acknowledges the current planning system of what is known as "prior approval" is confusing for councils, companies and residents.Many groups have protested against plans, and the report acknowledges the current planning system of what is known as "prior approval" is confusing for councils, companies and residents.
The report, commissioned by Sustainability Minister Jane Davidson, who has overall responsibility for the planning system in Wales, recommends simplifying the process.The report, commissioned by Sustainability Minister Jane Davidson, who has overall responsibility for the planning system in Wales, recommends simplifying the process.
However, mobile phone companies are concerned that if the new proposals are approved, it could be more difficult and costly for them to get permission to put up masts in Wales, putting it at a competitive disadvantage with other parts of the UK.However, mobile phone companies are concerned that if the new proposals are approved, it could be more difficult and costly for them to get permission to put up masts in Wales, putting it at a competitive disadvantage with other parts of the UK.
Mike Dolan, the executive director of the Mobile Operators Association, said this could damage the roll-out of 3G fast mobile internet, and impair Wales' digital future.Mike Dolan, the executive director of the Mobile Operators Association, said this could damage the roll-out of 3G fast mobile internet, and impair Wales' digital future.
"It's important that there be continued investment in Wales in this infrastructure so that mobile phone customers can have the services that they rightly deserve," he said."It's important that there be continued investment in Wales in this infrastructure so that mobile phone customers can have the services that they rightly deserve," he said.
But Kath Sayce, who protested against a mobile phone mast in Maesteg, in Bridgend county, said: "We weren't given enough time to object and we would have preferred a lot longer, a lot more consideration to be given to the communities, whether another location could be looked at".But Kath Sayce, who protested against a mobile phone mast in Maesteg, in Bridgend county, said: "We weren't given enough time to object and we would have preferred a lot longer, a lot more consideration to be given to the communities, whether another location could be looked at".
Mobile phone masts under 15m do not need full planning permissionMobile phone masts under 15m do not need full planning permission
The campaigners won their fight to stop the mast being erected on top of Maesteg Rugby Club after the club agreed to not proceed after becoming aware of public opposition.The campaigners won their fight to stop the mast being erected on top of Maesteg Rugby Club after the club agreed to not proceed after becoming aware of public opposition.
The academics from the University of West of England in Bristol, who worked on the review, acknowledged the public perception of health risks linked to the masts.The academics from the University of West of England in Bristol, who worked on the review, acknowledged the public perception of health risks linked to the masts.
But their report said no research so far suggests radiofrequency exposure from mobile phones damages health.But their report said no research so far suggests radiofrequency exposure from mobile phones damages health.
'Costly process''Costly process'
Under the new proposals, health would remain a material consideration in decisions on whether to give planning permission for phone masts.Under the new proposals, health would remain a material consideration in decisions on whether to give planning permission for phone masts.
But, as now, if emissions from masts are within internationally recognised standards, this cannot be a reason for refusal.But, as now, if emissions from masts are within internationally recognised standards, this cannot be a reason for refusal.
The report does raise some concerns that if many more requests for planning permission for mobile masts are determined by councillors, then they could respond to pressure by refusing masts on the grounds of public concern rather than planning criteria.The report does raise some concerns that if many more requests for planning permission for mobile masts are determined by councillors, then they could respond to pressure by refusing masts on the grounds of public concern rather than planning criteria.
The mobile phone companies would then have the option of a judicial review of the decision, which could then overturn the councillors decision, which would be a lengthy and potentially costly process.The mobile phone companies would then have the option of a judicial review of the decision, which could then overturn the councillors decision, which would be a lengthy and potentially costly process.
A spokesperson for Ms Davidson said she would study the report and make a statement on the matter in the autumn.A spokesperson for Ms Davidson said she would study the report and make a statement on the matter in the autumn.