Stunell continues fight for Mobile Phone Mast Controls

2.10.18pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 21st Jun 2005

Today Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell announced that he would be co-sponsoring the return to Parliament of his Telecommunication Masts (Planning Control) Bill that aims to bring mobile phone masts under strict planning control and bring in the 'precautionary principle', giving extra safeguards for schools, homes, and medical facilities from the risk of excessive radiation.

Mr Stunell said:

"I am delighted that my Telecommunications Masts (Planning Control) Bill will have another chance to become law. The Government did not allow enough time for my Bill to go through all the necessary stages in the last Parliament, but hopefully this time it will become law.

"If I wanted to put up a garage or a conservatory, I would need more permissions than if I wanted to put up a telecommunications mast. There are dozens of stories of people coming home from work to find a mast that they knew nothing about at the end of their garden.

"One of the Bill's provisions gives the opportunity to assess whether a mast in a certain location presents specific health risks—for example, to schools or health facilities.

"A local health certificate would have to be given to a mast, and it would have to be produced if that mast were radiating towards a school, a health clinic or a home." ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. For a photograph of Andrew at the controversial siting of a mobile phone mast at Romiley Station, please call Jane Allen on 0207 2195223