MP Backs Mast Protectors

1.21.11pm GMT Tue 16th Dec 2003

MP Vincent Cable will join a protest of parents from St Edmunds RC school in Whitton, and speak at a council planning meeting in their support, when an application is considered for a new telecoms mast over looking the school from the Whitton telephone exchange.

An earlier mast on the same site was the subject of a debate in parliament eighteen months ago introduced by Vincent Cable, when the Minister conceded that public concern over health issues was a 'material consideration' in planning decisions over masts. Vincent Cable said:

"Planning guidance to councils is very ambivalent and there is a lot of confusion across the country. What is happening is bizarre: residents can and do win planning battles over masts if they ignore the health worries and concentrate on the visual amenity aspects. But this is not an issue in Whitton where it is health concerns that are uppermost; with the masts directly overlooking the school playground (and also Nelson school). Councils' are supposed to disregard health issues but are allowed to consider 'public concern' over health issues. There is no logic in this at all".

"I want the council at least to put up a fight with the developers and take the issue as far as they can, even if it means their going to appeal."