We need more power to fight phone masts (From Warrington Guardian)

We need more power to fight phone masts

MORE powers need to be given to curb the rise in the number of mobile phone masts being erected in the borough, according to a leading politician.

Clr Ian Marks, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Warrington South, is backing a bill at Westminster to give greater powers to councils to say no to new phone masts.

He says people do have concerns regarding the possible health impacts of having masts close to residential areas.

"The bill would give planners more powers to refuse mast applications.

"I know that many communities in Warrington would welcome this change. There have been many cases of mobile phone masts going through 'on the nod' because our planners have no teeth to do anything," he added.

Within the past month, a number of residents' groups have been left angered with planners left powerless to reject phone mast applications.

Campaigners living near St Margaret and All Hallows Church, in Orford, were shocked to find that planners had agreed that a mast could be erected in the church spire - without their knowledge.

Clr Marks says that the new bill, backed by members of all political parties, will stop that.

He added: "There is ongoing concern about the dangers of mobile phones and masts.

"If passed, this bill will stop companies from putting up mobile phone masts without consulting local communities and gaining planning approval from the local authority."

Under current laws, there are few grounds under which masts can be refused by planners - especially if they are attached to buildings such as churches.

Similar applications to that agreed in Orford, at Warrington Parish Church and Stockton Heath Methodist Church are currently pending.