The Changing Regulation of Mobile-Phone Mast Development in a Devolved United Kingdom

Abstract

In 1985, the Thatcher Conservative Government granted the newly deregulated mobile-phone companies permitted development rights to erect telecommunications masts up to 15 m in height. This dilution of planning control led to a proliferation of insensitively sited mobile-phone masts across the United Kingdom, prompting large-scale public hostility. After the publication of the Stewart Report in 2000, which pointed to the possible risks to people's psychological health from antennae radiation emissions, the newly devolved planning administrations of the United Kingdom conducted reviews of these permitted development rights. The author examines these reviews and the decisions that emerged from them. It is argued that the differentiated approach to mobile phone mast control that has resulted represents an early and important departure from what was, arguably, a unified planning system within the United Kingdom.

Mobile phone masts: protesting the scientific evidence

“…Increasing public concern, centered on the insensitivity of the chosen sites and the impunity with which operators were able to erect masts, have seen these development rights gradually curtailed. This is particularly the case in the devolved governments of Northern Ireland and Scotland where full planning permission is now required for all ground masts irrespective of size (Walton, 2002). In England and Wales permitted development rights have been maintained for masts less than 15m in height but operators have to apply to the LPA for "prior determination".…”

“…Thus, there have been a number of government-backed reports into the safety of mobile phones and base stations (Walton, 2002). For many commentators these have done more harm than good.…”

“…The 2G phones used higher radio frequencies allowing greater data transfer and a reduction in battery size and so phones could become smaller (MOA, 2004). The disadvantage was that more telecommunications base stations were needed and by 2002, there were around 20,000 to 25,000 in the UK (Walton, 2002). The third generation of phones (3G) relies on the same technology but with enhanced capabilities such as Internet access and video conferencing.…”

“…This then gives the planning authority 56 days to approve or refuse the mast site. If the operator does not receive a refusal within the specified period, they are granted planning permission by default (Walton, 2002).…”

“…Understandably, the government's response to the potential health risks surrounding mobile phones has been more proactive. The government initiated Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (IEGMP) or the Stewart Inquiry took evidence from over 170 interests, showing an extraordinary willingness to engage with a wide variety of opinions (IEGMP, 2000;Walton, 2002). In contrast, however, the mobile phone operators and government scientists have dismissed protesters health fears as "irrational" (Walton, 2002 quoting Orange;Henderson, 2004).…”