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| Ossett. Wakefield: Protest over phone mast | |
| United Kingdom | Created: 6 Jun 2005 |
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Wakefield news RESIDENTS are kicking up a storm about a football club's plan to site a mobile phone mast close to an infant school. Anger about the T-Mobile mast proposed by Ossett Albion FC at its Dimplewells Road site is so strong that locals have formed a pressure group to fight the plans. Ossett Residents Against Mobile Masts hope to present a petition of 500 signatures to the planning department to stop the mast, which, if erected, would be 200 metres from Dimple Well Infant School. Group member Claire Wilby, of Dimple Gardens, said: “Local residents are not happy about this. We don’t want it so close to a school or to our homes. “The government doesn’t know if there are risks involved with these masts and if they can’t rule out dangers, how do we know if the children are going to be safe?” So far, the group has collected around 200 names. Claire said: “We are not going to give up, even if this plan is prevented. The company will just apply somewhere else and no-one should have to live in the shadow of one of these things.” Stuart Garside, vice chairman of the club, based at Ossett Cricket and Athletic Club, said the safe positioning of the mast had always been a priority. He said: “T-Mobile wanted to put the mast near the entrance of the cricket club grounds but I said no because I wanted it to be as far away as possible from the school and any houses. “People who object to the siting of masts will almost certainly have a mobile phone of their own. They would not be able to use them if there were no masts. “We are not doing this to antagonise people, we are doing it to help keep the club afloat.” 03 June 2005 |
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| Inverurie.Garioch: O2 Must Look For New Site | |
| United Kingdom | Created: 6 Jun 2005 |
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By John Sorrie - john.sorrie@inverurieherald.com AN application for the siting of a mobile phone mast at Burghmuir Place, Inverurie by O2 (UK) Ltd was refused by Garioch Councillors at their meeting on Tuesday (May 31). The application was previously before the Garioch Area Committee on Tuesday, April 19 but a decision was deferred to allow discussion to take place between planners and the applicant to look at an alternative site away from residential areas. Ten further sites were considered and planners expressed a preference for one of these sites. However, O2 assessed the options and found that none were suitable. The application submitted was to provide O2 3G mobile phone coverage in the northern part of Inverurie. The proposed mast would have been 17.5 metres high — approximately 52.5 feet — with six antennas and two transmission dishes. Two equipment cabins would have been within the mast site. A number of objections from members of the public were received mainly focusing on the possible health issues related to mobile phone masts. Many objectors felt that the mast site was too close to residential areas and was also close to a public park. It was also suggested that there are many wide open spaces in the area where the mast could be situated. The proposal also met with opposition from Inverurie Community Council. In a letter to the committee, one Nether Blackhall resident said: “According to European Legislation of March 10 1999 ‘People should be protected from potentially harmful long term effects of electromagnetic fields generated by these transmitters’.” Provost Raymond Bisset commented: “This is a very difficult situation — would we, for example, be happy to have a mast on top of Gordon House? It would probably be a very suitable location. I think we need to look to see if there are other masts in the area and if we can combine them in one location.” On the issue of public health, Newmachar and Fintray councillor Martin Ford commented that the matter before the committee was a planning one and that it was not up to the committee to debate public health. He referred to the report before the committee which said: “The Scottish Executive has concluded that it is not necessary for planning authorities to treat radio frequency emissions as a material consideration in dealing with planning applications for radio masts. “National Planning Policy Guidelines emphasise there is no need for planning authorities to consider power outputs [of radio transmitters] in determining planning applications, since it is clearly the responsibility of the Scottish Executive and the UK government to decide on what measures are required to protect public health from potential radiation hazards.” Inverurie North councillor Michael Raeburn added: “It is my choice to carry a mobile phone. If we allow the mast in this site we have given local residents no choice.” The application was recommended for approval by planners but the committee went to the vote. The decision was taken to refuse the application on the basis that other alternative sites exist. |
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| Saughall. Chester: DELIGHT AS PHONE MAST BATTLE IS WON | |
| United Kingdom | Created: 6 Jun 2005 |
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DETERMINED residents have won their battle against plans to build a mobile phone mast in the heart of their community. Mobile phone operator Hutchinson 3G proposed to build a 15-metre mast within K’s Nursery, Parkgate Road, Saughall. But the plans angered nearby residents, who believed that on top of alleged health risks, such a proposal would also have a severe impact on the value of their property. They twice took to the street outside the proposed site in a bid to get the plans shelved. And in a move that delighted them, planning officers at Chester City Council also objected. Obtrusive A spokesman said: “We objected to the plans, which is as good as a refusal. It is thought it would adversely affect the green belt and lead to loss of residential amenities. It was considered visually obtrusive.” Campaigners welcomed the news. Parkgate Road resident Elaine Cowell said: “I am very, very pleased. We would have been very worried about our health if it had gone ahead. “We don’t care if we don’t have a signal. We can all use landlines. Let’s just hope they do not win on appeal.” K’s Nursery owner Richard Kunze, who had given the plans his blessing, said he did not wish to make a comment at this time. A spokesman for Hutchinson 3G said: “We have received notification of the planning officer objection and are in the process of reviewing any future action.” Time row in school mast bid Jun 1 2005 By Neil Elkes, Evening Mail Birmingham |
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| Burley-in-Wharfedale. Bradford: Mast objection catch 22 for residents of Burley | |
| United Kingdom | Created: 6 Jun 2005 |
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Ilkley Gazette Plans to site a phone mast opposite a Burley-in-Wharfedale housing estate are meeting with opposition from local people. Residents of the Sandholme estate are said to be in a state of shock after discovering the plan for a strip of land opposite their homes. And they claim they are in a catch 22 situation after being told they are not allowed to object on health grounds. T Mobile has submitted a prior notification of the installation of a 15m mast with antennae, transmission dish and radio equipment at land north of Langroyd, on Bradford Road. And local people have been told they have until Saturday, June 4, to get their views across. Brian Garlick, who lives on Bradford Road "virtually next door" to the proposed site said he was one of just a handful of neighbours who received official notification of the plan from Bradford Council. He now wants to make sure all the local residents are made aware of the application before the deadline passes. He said: "It is absolutely shocking that this is planned for a thin strip of land opposite a housing estate. Everyone I have spoken to is in a state of shock really" Mr Garlick said he was concerned about the possible health risks, and he argued that the mast should be sited away from housing estates - preferably in a position with fields on both sides of the road. He stressed: "There are mixed feelings from the experts, and until we absolutely know for sure we should err on the side of caution." But he added: "If they are blasé enough to build next to schools what hope is there." Mr Garlick claims many people in Burley are unaware of the plan or unsure of the proposed location. He stressed: "I want to raise people's awareness on this issue. It is not just a rumour anymore - it is actually happening. Mr Garlick says he has been told the council's planning department can only consider objections on planning grounds such as car parking and traffic - and that objections on health grounds will not be valid. He stressed: "What annoys me is that they say you cannot argue about it on the grounds of health - but as we have tried to point out they are the very grounds everyone wants to oppose it on. It is like a catch 22 situation." His neighbour Dr Barbara Metcalfe is objecting to the plan on the grounds of traffic problems and safety. Dr Metcalfe, a research biologist, said it was already extremely difficult and potentially dangerous to turn onto Bradford Road from the Sandholme estate. She believes this problem will be exacerbated by the siting of a mast on the corner. She said: "Anything that is put on the bend of the road will obstruct the view. It is hellish getting out onto Bradford Road already." Burley Community Council Chairman Bruce Speed said BCC was aware of the proposed mast and its exact position was being checked. He added: "Our view is that it should not be immediately opposite the end of Sandholme Drive , because of the traffic danger from its layby when service vehicles are parked. It should be at the North end of the Staithe away from the junction." He added: "It would have been better on the existing mast on the old Otley Road, shared with the existing user, but we heard that had been rejected." Mr Garlick is asking anyone who wants to comment on the plan to write to the Senior planner Martynn Burke, at Ilkley Town Hall, Ilkley LS29 8HB, or e-mail martyn.burke@bradford.gov.uk. The application number is 05/03123/PNT. |
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| Great Bedwyn. Malborough: Protests aired on phone mast | |
| United Kingdom | Created: 6 Jun 2005 |
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Malborough Herald A PROPOSED mobile phone transmitter on the edge of Great Bedwyn would be too close to the school, protesters are telling Kennet district councillors. Newbury-based Vodaphone Ltd is seeking planning consent for a telecommunications base station at Wansdyke Crossing in the parish of Little Bedwyn. When the report by Kennet planning officers to members of its regulatory committee was prepared ahead of their meeting next Thursday, no reaction had been received from Little Bedwyn Parish Council. However, neighbouring Great Bedwyn Parish Council has lodged an objection saying the transmitter with its 50ft mast would be too close to Great Bedwyn village school and contravene Government guidelines. The school has lodged its own objection and nine other letters of protest have been received. More than 70 per cent of parents and staff had objected when Vodaphone consulted the school. Kennet officers are telling members that the Government recommendation is that the planning system is not the place for determining health safeguards and they have recommended approval of the plans. |
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| Cowbridge: MP sympathises with fears over plans to expand mast | |
| United Kingdom | Created: 6 Jun 2005 |
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Cowbridge Today ARGUMENTS over the siting of equipment for the new 3G telecommunication equipment continue to rage, and residents at The Heathers are angry about plans for the base station in the grounds of Barry College. Now, Vale MP John Smith has met with the residents to show his support for their campaign. He told The GEM: “My sympathies and concerns are with the residents who have already had to endure the siting of a mast in their midst. “I have lodged an objection in respect of the visual amenity of the site. I am aware that there are planning guidelines in place that permit this sort of development, but it is up to local planning authorities to take into account the fears and concerns of residents.” He added: “I will be writing to the mobile phone companies to make them aware of my concerns.” The battle lines remain between the companies, who say that they are operating well within safety margins - and opponents who claim that there is fresh scientific evidence casting doubt on the safety of masts. A spokesperson for Orange said: “It has been a long-standing Government policy objective to encourage telecommunications operators, wherever possible, to share masts and sites as a means of reducing overall mast numbers. “The reality is that the local community want to use mobile phones, and without masts the phones won’t work”. O2 and Vodaphone are proposing to site their equipment on the Orange-owned base station, after protestors opposed the erection of masts at Severn Avenue and Bryn Hafren comprehensive school. The spokesman added: “Orange is aware of the anxiety the proposals are causing in the area and is planning to hold a drop-in session to discuss residents' concerns.” Mrs Angie Homer, a spokesperson for the residents at The Heathers, claimed that scientists were warning that the microwaves emitted by a 3G mast were “chronic invisible stressors that have the same adverse effects on the body as being continuously exposed to loud noise.” She claimed that existing guidelines did not take this into account.” She added: “We really don't know what the impact of this radiation is going to be or what it is going to be like after 10-20 years of regular use.” |
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| Bolton: Call to halt mobile phone masts | |
| United Kingdom | Created: 6 Jun 2005 |
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Bolton Evening News. Last posted: Wednesday 1 June 2005 CALLS are being made for mobile phone mast applications in Bolton to be suspended until the outcome of a new investigation into any hazards they pose is known. Cllr Carl Dennis wants a freeze on all applications to erect masts across the borough. He made the call after three new bids were lodged to build phone masts in his Harper Green ward. Cllr Dennis has backed campaigns opposing each of the masts over fears that they could impact on the health of people living nearby. He said: "We should not be granting permission to build these things close to homes and schools when we do not know how dangerous they could be. I understand that people use mobiles and that they need masts, but I believe we should try and put them as far away from people's homes as possible." T-Mobile has applied to erect a mast in Highfield Road outside John's Chippy and Vodaphone wants to build a mast outside the Conservative Club in Plodder Lane. Rival firm O2 has appealed to the Secretary of State against Bolton Council's planning committee's decision to refuse its application for a mast outside the Flying Shuttle pub, also in Highfield Road. The two new applications are due to be heard by the councillors over the next few weeks, but current planning rules prevent members of the committee from rejecting the schemes on safety grounds. Cllr Dennis, who is a governor at the Highfield Community Primary School, near to the proposed mast sites, said: "We all have concerns over the health risks involved with these masts, but can do nothing about it. I would like to see all applications held over until the outcome of this Government investigation into the safety of masts is completed." But Cllr David Wilkinson, executive member for environment at Bolton Council, said: "There are lingering doubts over the safety of these masts but we have to abide by the law. "What Cllr Dennis is asking for would require the Government to introduce a major change in planning rules because at the moment they tell us we should be prepared to support the installation of phone masts." |
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| North Walsham: Fears over campaign to get mast removed | |
| United Kingdom | Created: 6 Jun 2005 |
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PETER WALSH. Norwich Evening News. 01 June 2005 Phone mast campaigners fear their campaign to get a controversial phone mast removed is faltering. Families living in the shadow of the O2 Airwave mast on top of North Walsham police station have been invited to a private meeting in the town to gauge the level of support for continuing their High Court battle. Matthew Pennington, a member of the Campaign Against Tetra Siting (CATS), said: "I fear we're on a hiding to nothing at the moment. I can't see how we're going to be successful at the moment — that's what we've got to debate about. "Hopefully we will get together most of the people who are opposing the mast. "My only big concern is that no masts are being refused anywhere in the country at the moment." Mr Pennington, 42, who lives with his wife Rachel Kirk and son Henry, three, said they hoped to find out more news from a barrister about the strength of their case before today's meeting took place. He added: "I would wish to find out from the community whether they are prepared to back this or not and how much money they might be willing to put forward. "If we get the barrister's opinion then we will know if we have a legal case worth trying to pursue." Even if the campaigners were told they did have a case, Mr Pennington said the problem would be in trying to establish how much of a case they had. "It might be very hard to get some idea of what sort of likelihood they would give us of being successful," he said. "One of the problems is if we don't get Legal Aid we also get stuck with the costs from the other side." In March, the Evening News reported how campaigners planned to take their battle against the mast, which will serve the emergency services, to the High Court. The news came just a month after members of North Norfolk District Council said they would have to back down on plans to take court action partly due to the high cost. A London barrister told council leaders chances of success were slim and a loss in court could lay the council open to substantial costs. But the campaigners have found an environmental solicitor in Cambridge who is willing to take their case. Phone company O2 has been involved in a long-running battle with campaigners over the siting of the mast on Yarmouth Road. Last year North Norfolk district councillors refused planning permission and ordered O2 Airwave to stop using the equipment because of a feared risk to public health and a breach of planning control. But the planning inspectorate allowed an O2 appeal in January, which enabled the mast to be switched back on, saying the council did not provide compelling reasons for withholding planning permission. • Are you battling plans to site a phone mast in your neighbourhood? Call Peter Walsh at the Evening News on (01603) 772439 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk |
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| St Edmundsbury..Haverhil: MP continues battle against phone mast plan | |
| United Kingdom | Created: 6 Jun 2005 |
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Haverhill Echo .Haverhil: MP continues battle against phone mast plan Haverhill MP Richard Spring has written to the Planning Inspectorate, urging its officers to refuse an appeal by Hutchison 3G for a telecommunications mast at Hazel Stub roundabout. Hutchison 3G is appealing against the decision by St Edmundsbury Borough Council's planning committee to refuse planning permission for the mast, which would support 3G mobile phones. Nearby residents had fought a determined campaign against the mast. In his letter, Mr Spring said: "I wish to personally oppose this appeal and hope that you will refuse it. It would certainly not be in the best interests of my constituents to allow the base station to go ahead." Mr Spring had previously shown his support for the residents' campaign, attending a rally in the town centre. Residents are concerned about the potential health risks from siting a mast so close to properties and schools. Mr Spring said: "I have never before witnessed so much vociferous objection to a planning application in my time as a Member of Parliament." The appeal will be dealt with by a planning inspector, but it could go to a public inquiry. 02 June 2005 |
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| Vale MP sympathises with fears over plans to expand mast | |
| United Kingdom | Created: 2 Jun 2005 |
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ARGUMENTS over the siting of equipment for the new 3G telecommunication equipment continue to rage, and residents at The Heathers are angry about plans for the base station in the grounds of Barry College. Now, Vale MP John Smith has met with the residents to show his support for their campaign. He told The GEM: “My sympathies and concerns are with the residents who have already had to endure the siting of a mast in their midst. “I have lodged an objection in respect of the visual amenity of the site. I am aware that there are planning guidelines in place that permit this sort of development, but it is up to local planning authorities to take into account the fears and concerns of residents.” He added: “I will be writing to the mobile phone companies to make them aware of my concerns.” The battle lines remain between the companies, who say that they are operating well within safety margins - and opponents who claim that there is fresh scientific evidence casting doubt on the safety of masts. A spokesperson for Orange said: “It has been a long-standing Government policy objective to encourage telecommunications operators, wherever possible, to share masts and sites as a means of reducing overall mast numbers. “The reality is that the local community want to use mobile phones, and without masts the phones won’t work”. O2 and Vodaphone are proposing to site their equipment on the Orange-owned base station, after protestors opposed the erection of masts at Severn Avenue and Bryn Hafren comprehensive school. The spokesman added: “Orange is aware of the anxiety the proposals are causing in the area and is planning to hold a drop-in session to discuss residents' concerns.” Mrs Angie Homer, a spokesperson for the residents at The Heathers, claimed that scientists were warning that the microwaves emitted by a 3G mast were “chronic invisible stressors that have the same adverse effects on the body as being continuously exposed to loud noise.” She claimed that existing guidelines did not take this into account.” She added: “We really don't know what the impact of this radiation is going to be or what it is going to be like after 10-20 years of regular use.” Cowbridge Today |
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