Andrew Stunell MP's new Mobile Masts Bill aims to boost safety

12.00.00am GMT Sun 30th Jan 2005

One of the most contentious issues in our area is the siting of mobile telephone masts. It is not only their appearance but rather concerns about the health effects of the signals they radiate. Not everyone is convinced there is no risk. The Government's former chief advisor, Sir William Stewart, argues that we should adopt the 'precautionary principle', and says children under 6 should not use mobile phones at all.

Stockport Council no longer allows masts on its own property. But the demand for more masts is high, because mobile use is rising, and everyone wants a good signal! So the applications keep coming in - and so do the objections.

The problem is that the last Tory government did a deal with the phone companies to cut planning rules for masts. It's now easier to get permission for a new mast than it is for a new porch, and all safety fears have been sidelined. As a result however much councillors want to respond to local concerns and consider health issues, there are no valid planning grounds for doing so. The result is frustration all round - plus a built-in potential health risk. So when I had the opportunity to bring forward another Private Members Bill, I decided the Telecommunications Masts Planning Control Bill would be my choice.

My Bill would change planning law for masts back to where it should be, and bring them all, whatever their height, back under full control. It will also bring in the 'precautionary principle', requiring all applications to show clearly where the most intense beam of radiation would fall, and if that includes schools, medical facilities, or homes, require the phone company to provide additional information about health effects. The Planning Authority would then be able to take account of any risks in assessing whether to grant permission. These extra safeguards should help allay fears in local communities, who at present see masts railroaded through, and their councillors unable to do their job effectively.

My new Bill is sponsored by MPs in all parties - including Patsy Calton - but is opposed by the Government, who, like the Tories before them, have collected billions of pounds for licences from the phone companies. The vote is on March 18th. If you want to see it go into law, you'd better keep your fingers crossed!

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