Tory MP walks away from phone mast battle (South East Region Liberal Democrats)

South East Region Liberal Democrats <info@southeastlibdems.org.uk>

Tory MP walks away from phone mast battle

July 8, 2008 10:14 AM

LIBERAL Democrats in East Worthing & Shoreham have launched a stinging attack on the local Conservative MP for refusing to support calls to tighten up planning rules on mobile phone masts.

Currently, fewer restrictions govern planning applications for phone masts up to 15 metres in height, often making it difficult for councils to refuse permission for controversial proposals.

Liberal Democrats in Parliament recently moved an amendment to the Planning Bill which would have meant applications for phone masts would have required full planning permission and therefore be considered in the same way as applications for new buildings or change of use of existing ones.

But Labour MPs voted against the call and Conservative MPs did not bother voting at all with the exception of neighbouring MP Peter Bottomley who had the courage to vote with the Liberal Democrats.

Gaisford Ward Councillor and Mast Campaigner Alan Rice said:

"Communities like those in Gaisford ward can sometimes be powerless to stop inappropriately sited phone masts like those at Woodside Road football ground going ahead because the planning system has fewer restrictions on them than for many other planning applications.

"This gives phone companies an advantage which is not enjoyed by other individuals and businesses applying for planning permission. Our amendment would have made the system fairer.

"I was very disappointed however to see that the local Conservative MP not bother to vote for this change. He simply sat on his hands, despite telling everyone at the general and local elections that he supported this policy.

"Conservative MP for East Worthing & Shoreham actually backed a Parliamentary motion at the end of 2006 which called for applications for mobile phone masts to require full planning permission. It was disappointing that he did not back up his call with action. Even the local Tory Councillors voted to support our cross-party motion at the same time.

"As a result, communities in East Worthing & Shoreham will continue to find it hard to battle against inappropriate phone masts."