MP's concern over phone masts

WEALDEN MP Charles Hendry has expressed his concern about new Government planning guidance on the siting of mobile phone masts.

The new guidance prevents local communities from objecting to mobile phone masts on health grounds and limits the powers of local councils to object to unwanted masts.

Mr Hendry said: It is little suprise that the Government has held these new rules back until after the election and then tried to sneak them out during the summer recess, when they cannot be debated in Parliament.

It is estimated that the new generation of mobile phones could lead to an extra 100,000 masts that is approaching 200 more masts in an area like Wealden and and would be met with enormous local opposition.

The planning system should be made to take more account of local concerns not less and also to protect hospitals, schools and residential areas in particular.

The new guidance shows that the Government has completely failed to take account of the genuine public concerns about the siting of new masts.