EDITORIAL - herts.advertiser@archant.co.uk

16 June 2005

A LARGE mobile phone base station could be built within 30 metres of a primary school playing field.

Parents, governors and staff at St Dominic's School in Harpenden are united in their opposition to the proposed building of the base station on Network Rail land near their playing field.

Ironically the land was once used as a playing field by the school which leased it from the-then Railtrack and eventually reached agreement with the company to return it to them for use as a car park.

St Dominic's head, Andrew Rafferty, confirmed that after researching the proposal, they had discovered that the 20-metre mast would be just 30 metres away from the school's playing field.

He said: "The PTA has met, the governors have met and the parents are very anxious and concerned about this. They want this proposed mast stopped. We feel that while technology moves on, the risks associated with this kind of technology are just too great to put it near a school."

Mr Rafferty said he understood that the applicants, Hutchison 3G, had made approaches to put the base station at a number of other sites but they were refused.

The school would now be approaching Network Rail to ask them to refuse permission. Mr Rafferty added: "We don't want this mast near the school. We are not politicians but there must be other sites not near schools and there must be other ways of achieving a mast in Harpenden."

Cllr Julian Daly, who incorporates St Dominic's in his district council Harpenden West ward, said Hutchison 3G were currently in the pre-consultation stage and would probably go ahead to planning around the end of July.

He maintained situating the base station where it was proposed was contrary to the findings of the Stewart Report which recommends they should not be near schools. Cllr Daly added: "I don't think it should be there because of the proximity to the school. I appreciate the difficulties because we all have mobile phones but the scientific evidence is ambivalent and I go along with the findings of the Stewart Report."

A spokesman for Hutchison 3G said no decision had yet been taken about pushing ahead to the planning stage. While the base station was close to a school, the site was classed as industrial by the district council because it was at a railway station which meant they might take a more favourable view of it.

The company had carried out a thorough search for alternative sites and had a couple of other options which were less favourable and not so far advanced.

BBC News Online

Residents against the siting of a 3G mobile phone mast near their homes plan to voice their opposition to phone company T-Mobile on Thursday.

The company hopes to build a 15m mast on farmland near a school and housing estate in Hoghton, Lancashire .

A representative from T-Mobile will be available to meet residents in a drop-in session one-to-one from 1600 to 1900 BST at Coupe Green Primary School .

But opponents believe the company should have a public meeting.

Campaigner Chris Nelson said residents were concerned about the siting of the masts near a housing estate and Coupe Green school.

'Time waster'

"Other groups have told us that these one-to-one meetings are a waste of time," he said.

"We are expecting more than 150 people going along and not everybody will get a chance to have their say," he said.

An email sent to Mr Nelson from the company said the drop-in sessions followed a code of conduct agreed with the government.

"In our experience we find that members of the community prefer the one-to-one type of meeting to address their own issues at a time which suits them, rather than the public meeting which often becomes confrontational and counter productive," said John Carwardine, Community Affairs Manager with T-Mobile (UK).

A T-Mobile spokesman told the BBC: "Based on over 40 years of research, T-Mobile is confident that its base stations, operating within strict national and international guidelines (recognised by the World Health Organisation), do not present a health risk to any member of the public."

Omega this statement is plain and simple not true. See further under: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/4096280.stm

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T-Mobile and its "40 years of research" yet again - this blatant lie is becoming very tiresome indeed - as is the term " strict guidelines".

David B

Date Published: Thursday 16 June 2005

Marlborough Gazette and Herald

A controversial plan to erect a mobile phone mast within 170 metres of Great Bedwyn Primary School has been approved despite concerns about the children's health.

Vodafone's telecommunications base station at Wansdyke Crossing in Little Bedwyn will be the fourth mast within 400 metres of the school.

The regulatory committee of Kennet District Council approved the application by seven votes to five after hearing that a recent Appeal Court decision meant that the telecom giants would almost certainly win any appeal against refusal.

Gordon Stone, chairman of Great Bedwyn parish council, told the meeting last Thursday that there was grave concern because the site was so close to the school and there were already three masts within 400 metres.

He said that a report into the health dangers of mobile phone masts by a committee led by Sir William Stewart had recommended that masts should not be erected within 400m of schools.

Coun Rosemary Cummins, the member for Bedwyn, not only stressed the health dangers, but was also incredulous that Vodafone was planning to erect the mast so close to the Wansdyke.

She said the mast was likely to damage a national historic monument and that Vodafone had "completely disregarded the historic importance of the site."

Mike Wilmott, Kennet's chief planning officer, said that the mast was not going to be placed on the Wansdyke itself but close to it.

He also said that, if the applicants were able to prove that the mast's emissions were within safety guidelines, the council would be laughed out of court at any appeal.

Committee chairman Coun John Booth said that he would be more sympathetic to the protesters if children were banned from having mobiles, which had far higher emissions than masts .

The council's legal officer Mike Rowan said that a recent Appeal Court decision had found in favour of masts and the council would lose with substantial costs in the event of an appeal.

Warrington Guardian

RESIDENTS who say they weren't told of plans to erect a phone mast say they will try their best to get it taken down.

The first thing that residents knew about a Vodaphone mast on Dewhurst Road in Birchwood, was when workers arrived this week to erect it.

Now mum-of-four Tracy Valentine, who lives in nearby Whitworth Close, says with the help of other residents, she is too start up a petition against the mast.

She believes the residents should have been consulted about the proposals which were passed by Warrington Borough Council as a 'deemed application', which are new planning laws, in January this year.

She said: "No residents have been informed about this.

"The first we knew of it was when the workers arrived to put it up.

"We all though that they were speed cameras at first.

"It just seems so underhand in how it is done. I would urge anyone who lives nearby to come and sign the petition."

The petition will be in the Oakwood Neighbourhood Centre if anyone wishes to sign.

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Their are no 'new planning laws' that I know of - and no such thing as a 'deemed application'. It might well be that the council failed to respond to an application for prior approval within the statutory 56 days and thus it was approved by default - in other words 'deemed'.

David B

MOBILE phone technology is poised to swamp the UK - and Wirral communities face the prospect of absorbing a further 800 telephone masts.

That is the dire warning given by Cllr Chris Blakeley who revealed this week: "Recent comments from industry figures indicated that new '3G' technology will require four times as many masts than at present. This suggests an additional 209 masts on average in every single Parliamentary constituency - this means in Wirral alone the possibility of over 800 more masts."

Cllr Blakeley, who represents Moreton and Saughall Massie, said: "Over the past 12 months there have been more and more planning applications for tele-phone masts in some of the most inappropriate locations.

"It appears that the mobile phone industry just wants to steamroll through as many applications as possible, regardless of the effect on the lives of thousands of people."

Across the country in the last 12 months activists have torn down mobile-phone masts as public concern over the health impact of radiation emissions have continued to grow.

Although Government advisers say there is no evidence that the masts threaten people's health, those living near them have complained of illnesses ranging from cancer to motor neurone disease.

Some scientists have suggested that the radiation produced by the aerials has an impact on sleep patterns and could have health implications.

Cllr Blakeley went on: "Currently there is a presumption in favour of development inherent in the current planning system, which over-rides local, environmental and safety concerns. Current planning rules cannot cope with the imposition of 130,000 more masts (across the UK ) - with a further 800-plus near homes and schools across Wirral."

He added: "We all want to be able to use a mobile phone, but this doesn't means masts should be constructed without any regard for the well-being of local people. It's time for (Prime Minister) Mr Blair to start listening and stop ignoring the views of local communities and the feelings of powerlessness and frustration experienced by those living under the threat of badly-sited masts." The Mobile Operators Association, set up in January 2003 to represent the five UK mobile phone network operators on radio frequency health and planning issues, disclosed that there are now around 60m mobile phone subscribers in the UK.

In a statement they observed: "Many people increasingly rely on mobile technology as their primary means of communication. However, without a network of base stations in place where people want to use their phones, they simply will not work." The statement added that operators were consistently addressing the issue of shared masts. Both sites and masts were shared where possible, but it was not always technically achievable as each network was planned slightly differently. The statement said: "A shared site can also be more visually intrusive than a single operator site because of the increase in height needed to accommodate two or more antennae systems."

A spokeswoman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister disputed Cllr Blakeley's claim that 130,000 most phone masts would be erected across the UK.

The Mobile Operators' Association, she said, estimated that around 50,000 masts would be needed to cope with 3G - 5,000 more than there were at present.

She said: "We are confident that the planning system can cope with that increase."

AN Aberystwyth businessman has told the Cambrian News that he has pulled the plug on a controversial planning application for a 12-metre mast to be erected at Woods Yard in Trefechan. Steve Woods, who owns Woods Yard, Old Brewery, Trefechan, has confirmed that Alder King, as agents for the Orange communication company, had approached him regarding a planning application for a mast to be erected at Woods Yard. The 12-metre column would have had up to six antennae and four dishes, and other associated equipment cabinets at ground level. The agents have submitted an application to Cyngor Sir Ceredigion’s planning authority, but Mr Woods is adamant that no agreement has been made with Alder King. Many local residents are objecting to the application, fearing that it might affect their health, as well as devaluing their properties. And Aberystwyth Town Council has also lodged an objection. But Mr Woods, the proprietor of Woods Building Supplies, Clarach, contacted the Cambrian News to state categorically that no mast would be erected on the site of the Old Brewery, which is used for storage purposes by the company. Mr Woods said: “Alder King did approach us. They said that they wanted to erect a mast, and a planning application was being submitted. “But no agreement has been made with Alder King. And as I can see that it would interfere with our daily work, as well as being of concern to local people, I can say that I will not be allowing the erection of a mast.” Mark Edge, and his wife Annette, who live above their Londis store in Trefechan, are strong objectors to the planning application. Mr Edge said: “We live here with our three children, overlooking the yard which is the subject of the planning application. It is potentially a serious hazard to health, as nobody is yet in a position to say that these masts do not provide a risk to health. “Dozens of children living in the area might suffer health problems in the future if a mast is erected. “As far as I am aware, all the locals are objecting to the application. The offices in the Old Brewery have not been used for years, and every ground-floor window is boarded-up. Now there is an application for a mast which would further devalue our property.” Aberystwyth Town Council has already lodged a formal objection.

Paisley Daily Telegraph 15 06 05

MOBILE phone firms have been dealt a double blow - after plans to erect two new masts in Renfrew were rejected.

Communications giants Vodafone and T-Mobile had both hoped to be able to install phone masts in the town.

But after more than 150 complaints from locals, councillors rejected their plans.

Bosses at Vodafone had applied for planning permission to install a 21-metre mast on land just off North Lodge Road in Renfrew.

But 135 people contacted Renfrewshire Council planning chiefs objecting to it.

Worried residents felt it would be sited far too close to homes and would also be an eyesore in the area.

SNP Councillor Richard Vassie backed them by speaking out against the mast proposal at a meeting of the council's planning and development board.

And he and the residents were delighted when councillors voted by eight to four against granting planning permission.

Afterwards Councillor Vassie, who represents the Glenburn South area in Paisley , said: "More than 100 people objected to this mast going up so there was a very strong feeling in the local community against this going ahead.

"I wanted to make sure that those objections were heard and I'm delighted that the majority of the planning committee agreed with me."

At the same meeting councillors also booted out plans by T-Mobile to put up a 15-metre mast up on land just off Afton Drive .

Once again angry residents had blasted the proposals, with 17 folk complaining to planning bosses.

They feared the mast would be close to a children's play area and also argued that many youngsters would have to walk past it on their way to and from school.

Local councillor Alex Murrin also hit out at the mast plans.

Councillor Murrin, who represents the Deanside area of the town, said: "I object to the site of this mast, and I ask councillors to reject it on the grounds that it will have a significant impact on the visual amenity in the area."

After hearing from him members voted by nine to five to refuse planning permission.

Paisley Daily Express 15 06 05

CONCERNED residents will have an opportunity to air their views on plans to site a mobile phone mast in the middle of a busy housing scheme.

The proposals from T-Mobile for the 12-metre pole at the junction of Brediland Road and Clippens Road are high on the agenda at this month's meeting of Linwood Community Council.

One source said the community council had already lodged an objection to plans for the pylon - which would be close to two schools and will have three antennae and associated radio equipment - as many people were concerned about its health and visual amenity implications.

It is believed there have been around 80 objections from local residents to the proposal.

"So far, no date has been given for a hearing of the application which will be decided by Renfrewshire Council," said community council secretary Iain Wilson.

The meeting is at the Tweedie Halls, Ardlamont Square , on Tuesday, June 21, at 7.30pm.

Non-members can usually - at the discretion of the chairman - take part in debates on any topic on the agenda.

Alliance Party website

14/06/2005

East Belfast Alliance Councillor, Naomi Long, has expressed her disappointment that the mobile phone mast at the junction of Cairnburn Road and Old Holywood Road will not be relocated to Belmont Park .

Following a campaign by local residents and political representatives to have the mast re-sited within Belmont Park and screened from public view, local Councillors supported a change in Council policy to permit such telecommunication equipment to be located on Council property in certain circumstances.

Cllr Long said, “As recently as January of this year, Hutchinson 3G assured me that the company was still actively exploring the relocation with Council Officers. The mast was then activated on 1 March 2003 and so I contacted Hutchinson 3G again to discuss the delay. I have now been informed that the relocation work on the mast will not be undertaken.”

“Given that the equipment will now be a permanent feature, I have sought assurances that the colour of the installation, which is particularly intrusive, will be changed.I have been advised that the base equipment will now be painted green to try to blend with other street furniture in the area, whilst the mast will be kept grey, to match the street lighting fixtures. Whilst I understand that this in no way compensates for the decision to leave the equipment in-situ, I hope that it will at least make the site less obvious for residents.

“I believe that residents and Councillors did everything possible to facilitate the Company, who initially appeared willing to pursue the relocation. Ultimately, however, the relocation relied upon the company’s willingness to undertake the necessary work. I am extremely disappointed at their decision. They had an opportunity to facilitate the wishes of the local community and instead have chosen to completely disregard it.

Norwich Evening News

14 June 2005 12:01

Families have won their battle to have plans for a mobile phone mast near their homes scrapped.

Proposals to put up a 15-metre mast in Colman Road , Norwich , have been thrown out by planning officers.

More than 500 residents signed up to a campaign against the mast, which was planned by mobile phone giant O2.

Roy Blower, who helped orchestrate the campaign, welcomed the planners' decision.

He said: "I'm pleased that the public have galvanised and we have got a result.

"Bearing in mind the amount of opposition there was against this application I'm not surprised at the decision.

"It's good for local families because they did not want the mast here."

Norwich City Council's planning department confirmed the application by O2 had been given delegated refusal, meaning it did not even get to the stage of going before councillors for approval.

The city council was not able to divulge why the plans had been rejected.

Mr Blower said: "Our main objection was over the potential visual impact of the mast.

"It was going to be about 50ft high — which is about double the size of a house.

"The community was angry about this because three years ago we had to fight against a similar mast at a site just 50 yards from the new one and that was rejected.

"It would have been a blot on the landscape and we are trying to improve the environment not make it worse."

The site chosen by O2 was a small-planted area near the Moss Pharmacy in Colman Road .

A spokeswoman for O2 said: "We are very disappointed with the decision because this mast would have formed a key part of our network.

"We still need a cell site in the area and we will be making the decision to look elsewhere."

She said because of increased usage of mobile phones more masts had to be put up to help keep up required coverage.

In December 2002 telecommunications company Hutchinson 3G submitted plans to the city council to put up a 13-metre mast next to the Colman Road Area Housing Office car park.

A petition was raised against the application on the grounds it would have a negative impact of the surroundings, the proposals were thrown out soon after.

The Evening News has long campaigned for no more mobile phone masts to be sited near homes and schools until research proves they are safe.

· Are you trying to stop a mobile phone mast being built near you? Telephone Evening News reporter Peter Walsh on (01603) 772439 or e-mail peter.walsh@archant.co.uk