§ Bob Spink (Castle Point) (Con)As you know, Madam Deputy Speaker, from debates, petitions and late nights, I have been campaigning for more controls on mobile phone and other masts for some years. The 685 rights of communication companies to put masts where they want with total impunity with respect to the views of residents must end. We must listen to local people's views and need a policy that empowers local people to control and protect their own environment. We must take the precautionary approach to the possible health impact of antennae.
To add yet another six antennae to a mast in a residential area that already has 30 or so would be lunacy until we are sure that the cumulative effect of all that radiation from those masts going into people's homes will not harm them and their children. I encourage Castle Point borough council to throw out the application in the way that the petition requests.
The petition states:
To the honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled.
The humble petition of Mr. and Mrs. Pownall, Jeff Stanley and concerned residents of Castle Point sheweth
That there is strong opposition to the proposed installation of the six antennae, six equipment cabins and a feeder gantry to the existing mast at the NTL transmitting station, EDF Energy Substation at Rayleigh Road Thundersley as this will adversely affect the character of the area and street scene and, most importantly, will increase the serious potential health risks to residents and especially to children, particularly since there is no firm evidence that such equipment does not pose an increased health risk and that therefore the long term health risks are unknown.
Wherefore your petitioners pray that your honourable House will urge the Castle Point Borough Council to reject the planning application CPT/572/04/FUL.
And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.