Minister calls for more consultation on mobile phone masts

Communities must continue to have a say in where mobile phone masts are sited, Planning Minister Keith Hill said today.

In a statement to Parliament Mr Hill reasserted the need for both local councils and mobile phone operators to consult with local people when making decisions about where masts should go.

He said: "It seems like we're all using mobile phones these days and this means we need masts. But those masts need to be sited sensitively to minimise their environmental impact and local concern.

"The statement I've made to Parliament today sets out the need for proper public consultation. Operators, local councils and the local community should be discussing telecommunications developments at the earliest stage possible in the planning process."

The Minister also set out the need for local councils to take into account the need for communications developments in their local development documents, and to make clear the local strategy for such developments.

"Rather than just waiting for the operators to contact them with specific proposals, councils should be thinking strategically. This way they can stay one step ahead of the game."

In relation to recent judgements in the Court of Appeal the Minister promised to review the decisions and decide whether any further action would be necessary.

(MB)