§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the health and associated risks from the placement of telecommunications masts in residential areas; and what plans he has to review his assessment. [67627]
§ Mr. RaynsfordGuidance on limiting exposure to electro-magnetic radiation is issued by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), which has a statutory function to provide advice to Government on all radiation matters. The Board continuously reviews and assesses the published scientific studies covering the fields of biology and medicine, epidemiology and dosimetry, and has concluded that there is no convincing evidence that exposure to emissions from telecommunications transmitters below the recommended guideline levels causes any adverse effects on people's health. In respect of telecommunications base stations, the NRPB further advises that experience with typical personal telecommunications installations has shown that the specified maximum exposure power densities are only likely to be exceeded within a few metres and directly in front of the antenna. However, the strength of radio waves at ground level and in regions accessible to the public tend to be many times below guideline levels and should present 43W no health risk. My Department has issued for consultation the draft of a joint circular on land use planning and electro-magnetic fields (EMFs). The circular provides advice to local planning authorities in deciding applications for development giving rise to EMFs, such as telecommunications base stations. A copy of the consultation package has been placed in the Library. The closing date for responses is 19 February.
§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the means by which people are informed of proposed masts for telecommunications; and if he will make a statement. [67648]
§ Mr. RaynsfordIt is important that the public has an opportunity to comment on the proposed installation of telecommunications masts. Where it is proposed to erect a mast subject to a planning application, the statutory requirement for a local authority to publicise any planning application will apply. In respect of mast development carried out under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (GPDO), we last year consulted on a number of proposed changes to that Order, including one designed to improve opportunities for informing the public. Following consideration of the responses to our proposals, my hon. Friend the Minister for the Regions, Regeneration and Planning announced in November our intention to introduce a new 42 day prior approval procedure in respect of ground-based masts which it is proposed to erect under the GPDO in place of the current 28 day procedure. This will include a new requirement that the developer should erect a site notice to publicise the development proposed. Local planning authorities will also be advised of the importance of giving additional publicity to the proposal. In this way people will have a better opportunity to comment on the siting and appearance of all proposals to erect ground-based masts under the GPDO.