Mobile Mast precaution

11.25.38pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 10th Dec 2005

A motion to adopt the precautionary principle and bring new mobile phone masts under tougher planning controls has been tabled for debate at the next meeting of West Berkshire Council scheduled for Tuesday 13th December.

Cllr Keith Lock (Lib Dem, Mortimer) has submitted the motion which backs a Private Members Bill to be submitted to Parliament by David Curry MP (Con, Skipton & Ripon).

The motion calls on "such masts should be subject to full planning controls" it goes on to say that "the precautionary principle should apply giving schools, homes and medical facilities extra safeguards".

Cllr Keith Lock said "I hope West Berkshire Council will back this motion which will put new mobile phone masts under fairer planning rules. As local Councillors we have heard repeated calls from constituents that such applications be treated fairly and yet the current law ties Councillors hands."