§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received calling for change in planning regulations that govern the erection of mobile phone masts. [125877]
§ Ms Beverley HughesIn the past year, we have received around 175 letters calling for changes in planning regulations that govern the erection of mobile phone masts.
In addition, the report of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, published on 11 May, recommended that for all base stations, permitted development rights for their erection should be revoked and that the siting of all new base stations should be subject to the normal planning process.
In its response to the report, issued on the same day and placed in the Libraries of both Houses, the Government said that they were minded to introduce a requirement for an application for full planning permission for all new telecommunications masts, but would need to consult widely before doing so, including on the principle and precise scope of any new arrangements.