Mike
Weatherley -
common sense on phone masts
Mike Weatherley, Conservative Party Candidate for Brighton Pavilion has once again joined local people against the inappropriate placing of mobile phone masts. The energetic Tory was joined by Alan Duncan MP, Shadow International Development minister, visiting two sites in Brighton Pavilion where there are proposals to put antennae equipment. Fiveway’s, outside the dry cleaning shop Burrell’s, and Brangwyn Way in Patcham.
Mike said:
“It is a fact that we need mobile phone masts, but where they are sited must be decided with sensitivity and consideration to local residents and businesses. I would like to see mobile phone mast developments be subject to full planning permission, so that local councillors are clearly accountable and answerable for where masts are located. There should be a single process for deciding all masts, including those on Network Rail or church property, Tetra masts, as well as small antennas being installed in street furniture or signs.
“Councils should be allowed to take health concerns into account such as near homes, hospitals and schools. Current national planning guidance prohibits this, and must be changed. Health concerns have not properly been evaluated, so understandably people are worried.
“At the moment operators are not required to demonstrate that any development does not result in unacceptable damage to visual amenity or harm environmentally sensitive features. This is totally unacceptable, and under a Conservative Government this situation will be reversed.
“Another major concern is the inconsistency and lack of clarification regarding phone mast location. That is why Conservatives will ask councils to draw up their own supplementary guidance to ensure uniformity and understanding for both operators and residents.
“Residents are not asking for much. Simply that their views and concerns are taken into account. I will always be on the side of common sense. It’s about time Labour councillors were too.”