Council looking at action over masts
This is Local London
09.11.05
A HOSPITAL could face legal action because of the mobile phone masts on its roof.
Bromley Council is considering whether it should force mobile phone companies to take masts off the roof of the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough.
This comes after weeks of complaints from residents in Wellbrook Road, Farnborough, about the masts overlooking their houses.
T-Mobile is already moving its masts from the roof edge so nearby residents cannot see them.
But despite claims the firm is responding to concerns, the action might not be enough for council planners.
The council is investigating whether the masts, along with masts owned by Orange and O2, count as permitted development, which could mean planning permission is needed.
A council spokesman said: "This is a very serious issue.
"We are very concerned about the masts and whether they are permitted development or not."
The hospital applied to put 24 masts on its roof in 2003.
It was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate after it ruled the masts were inappropriate and would destroy the architectural feel of the area.
But the masts are currently on the roof because the hospital believes they are allowed under permitted development rights.
A Bromley NHS spokesman said: "As the mobile phone facility is a permitted development no planning consent was needed."
09.11.05
A HOSPITAL could face legal action because of the mobile phone masts on its roof.
Bromley Council is considering whether it should force mobile phone companies to take masts off the roof of the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough.
This comes after weeks of complaints from residents in Wellbrook Road, Farnborough, about the masts overlooking their houses.
T-Mobile is already moving its masts from the roof edge so nearby residents cannot see them.
But despite claims the firm is responding to concerns, the action might not be enough for council planners.
The council is investigating whether the masts, along with masts owned by Orange and O2, count as permitted development, which could mean planning permission is needed.
A council spokesman said: "This is a very serious issue.
"We are very concerned about the masts and whether they are permitted development or not."
The hospital applied to put 24 masts on its roof in 2003.
It was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate after it ruled the masts were inappropriate and would destroy the architectural feel of the area.
But the masts are currently on the roof because the hospital believes they are allowed under permitted development rights.
A Bromley NHS spokesman said: "As the mobile phone facility is a permitted development no planning consent was needed."
Starmail - 12. Nov, 11:14
