More power to local people needed

HUGH ROBERTSON SPEAKS OUT AGAINST MOBILE PHONE MASTS IN DEBUT AT DISPATCH BOX

Hugh Robertson has made his debut at the dispatch box backing proposals to toughen up the rules relating to mobile pone masts. Hugh spoke in the House of Commons in support of a bill designed to make all mobile telephone masts subject to planning permission.

At present, no planning permission is required for masts under 15 metres or on land owned by network rail. The proposed bill was opposed by the government.

Hugh said:- “I have had a huge number of complaints from constituents desperately concerned about plans to site a new mobile telephone mast close to housing, schools or hospitals. Given that Kent is becoming increasingly congested, it is a huge and ongoing problem.

“With the increase in mobile telephone use, the mobile telephone companies estimate that an extra 8,000 masts will be needed across the UK by 2007. The number of people now using mobile telephones has risen to 50 million.

“The Stewart Report may well have found that there is no conclusive evidence of a health link. However, it did recommend a precautionary approach.

“The current situation is stacked in favour of the mobile phone operators and against local residents.

“This desperately needs to change.”