HC Deb 11 December 2000 vol 359 cc22-3W
Ms Glenda Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what additional guidance he will offer to local authorities to ensure that the concerns of local residents over planning applications for mobile telephone masts can be more fully represented;[141712]

(2) following the recommendation that the precautionary principle should be exercised with regard to the siting of mobile telecommunication masts, what additional protection the Government plan to offer local authorities and their communities to avert the need for court action. [141713]

Ms Beverley Hughes

The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (chaired by Sir William Stewart) published its report on mobile phones and health on 11 May 2000. The Group recommended a precautionary approach, comprising a series of specific measures, to the use of mobile phone technologies until we have more detailed and scientifically robust information on any health effects. In their response, the Government accept the recommended precautionary approach advised by the Stewart report. Our acceptance of a precautionary approach is limited to the specific recommendations in the Group's report and the Government's response to them.

My hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning wrote to all hon. Members for constituencies in England on 29 June 2000, to set out what we were doing to take forward the land-use planning recommendations in the Stewart report, and to reiterate how local planning authorities should treat applications for mobile phone development in the meantime. A similar letter was sent to all Council Leaders in England, copied to all Chief Planning Officers.

On 31 July 2000, we issued a consultation paper to seek views on possible changes to the planning arrangements for telecommunications development. In particular, the consultation paper sought views on how to improve public consultation in the planning process. The consultation paper included a draft revised planning policy guidance note (PPG8—Telecommunications). The consultation period ended on 31 October. The Department is currently analysing the responses. We shall announce our conclusions as soon as practicable.

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