Tougher legislation for mobile phone masts introduced

Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt has announced that he is to introduce planning controls on mobile phone masts that will be stricter than any other region of the British Isles.

Previously, only masts over 15 metres needed full planning permission, however all applications for masts, irrespective of their size, will now need full planning permission from the end of May 2002 – subject to scrutiny of the assembly.

Mr Nesbitt has also published a policy on telecommunication masts – Planning Policy Statement 10 (PPS 10) – which seeks to balance the need for a modern communications system with sensitive design and sitting.

Commenting on his decision, Mr Nesbitt said: “A modern communications system brings massive benefits to people and businesses alike. People in Northern Ireland have come to enjoy the convenience and accessibility mobile phones provide, and their many benefits. None of this could have happened without the masts and other infrastructure, which enable the service to be delivered across Northern Ireland.

“It is vital that masts are designed and sited sensitively so that their environmental impact is kept to a minimum. People in local communities must have a better opportunity to have their say on proposals for mast development, particularly given public concern about the possible health effects associated with mobile phone technology."

However, according to Sinn Fein's environment spokesperson, Mick Murphy, the new phone mast rules are unlikely to dispel the current fears about safety or community protection. He said: "It is an important step that all new phone masts, regardless of size, will need full planning permission. My concern is, however, that with domestic amenity and land form as the only two criteria that must be taken into consideration, Dermot Nesbitt has failed to develop an approach that will protect communities. This criteria will not protect people's health and safety."

The telephone industry watchdog, Oftel, has also criticised the proposals and said Northern Ireland's telecommunications infrastructure is in danger of falling behind the rest of Europe. (MB)