Kent council bans mobile masts

Kent County Council has banned all mobile phone masts from its property because of fears about radiation omissions. It is believed to be the first council to be working towards a complete ban within its boundaries.

The council said it took the decision following the publication of last year's Stewart report into the possible health risks posed by mobile masts and mobile phones.

Kent council leader Sandy Bruce-Lockhart said: "We take very seriously the findings of the Stewart report [which] called for a 'precautionary approach'."

The council has demanded that the mobile operators request planning permission for all masts, even though existing planning law dictates they only have to request permission if the mast is higher than 15m.

As the landlord of council property, Kent says it is entitled to turn down all requests and is appealing to school governors to do the same where they have jurisdiction.

It is also asking the district councils within its boundary to turn down requests where they have jurisdiction and is seeking the support of private landlords.

Many cash-strapped councils have already allowed masts on their property and are locked into contracts, but Kent's response to the new masts could be replicated up and down the country.

This could pose serious problems for the mobile industry, as it seeks to build completely new third-generation networks.

Another weapon set to be used against the mobile companies is the Human Rights Act.

Solicitors acting for those opposed to masts claim the Act allows councils to turn down planning applications for masts, even though there is no scientific evidence linking the masts to human health risks.

Public concern over their erection is claimed to be sufficient to allow local councils to turn down planning applications.

Social security staff in east London recently threatened industrial action over the location of masts on their building, and the plan was subsequently shelved.

See also:

Mobile operators 'ignoring' safety issues

Mast debate resurfaces as protestors vow to fight on  07 Dec 2001

3G: Beyond the hype

The third-generation (3G) licence frenzy has left mobile operators with empty pockets and a head full of hype, wondering whether they can find a killer app to justify the billions spent on the licences.  01 May 2001

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