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17/08/2004
Councils to get phone mast siting final say, Tories pledge
Local people would have the final say over the location of mobile phone masts under a Tory government, according to plans unveiled by the Opposition today.
In what the Tories have billed as "the biggest shake-up in planning rules since the introduction of the 1984 Telecommunications Act", all new masts would require full planning permission, while health concerns would have to be taken into account, and visual intrusion reduced.
The changes would mean an end to "cheap and poorly designed structures blighting Britain's communities", the party said.
Shadow Local and Devolved Government Secretary Caroline Spelman warned that her five-point plan was necessary over fears that the expansion of 3G technology could result in an estimated 100,000 more masts across the country – in addition to new ‘Tetra' and Network Rail masts.
Launching the new Conservative campaign, 'You decide where they go', Mrs Spelman said: "The erection of poorly-located masts is causing considerable disquiet in many parts of the country. There is a presumption in favour of development inherent in the current planning system, which overrides local, environmental and safety concerns."
By empowering local government, town councillors would be accountable for location decisions and councils would be allowed to take health concerns into account when masts are proposed near homes, hospitals and schools. Current national planning guidance prohibits this.
A single process would also be used for deciding all mast sites, including those on Network Rail or church property.
The Tories have also pledged to require mast operators to demonstrate that developments do not lead to unacceptable visual damage.
Mrs Spelman said: "Conservatives will champion the interests of local residents and address the feelings of powerlessness and frustration experienced living under the threat of badly sited masts. Local councillors, answerable to local residents via the ballot box, should have the final say on where they go."
(gmcg)
In what the Tories have billed as "the biggest shake-up in planning rules since the introduction of the 1984 Telecommunications Act", all new masts would require full planning permission, while health concerns would have to be taken into account, and visual intrusion reduced.
The changes would mean an end to "cheap and poorly designed structures blighting Britain's communities", the party said.
Shadow Local and Devolved Government Secretary Caroline Spelman warned that her five-point plan was necessary over fears that the expansion of 3G technology could result in an estimated 100,000 more masts across the country – in addition to new ‘Tetra' and Network Rail masts.
Launching the new Conservative campaign, 'You decide where they go', Mrs Spelman said: "The erection of poorly-located masts is causing considerable disquiet in many parts of the country. There is a presumption in favour of development inherent in the current planning system, which overrides local, environmental and safety concerns."
By empowering local government, town councillors would be accountable for location decisions and councils would be allowed to take health concerns into account when masts are proposed near homes, hospitals and schools. Current national planning guidance prohibits this.
A single process would also be used for deciding all mast sites, including those on Network Rail or church property.
The Tories have also pledged to require mast operators to demonstrate that developments do not lead to unacceptable visual damage.
Mrs Spelman said: "Conservatives will champion the interests of local residents and address the feelings of powerlessness and frustration experienced living under the threat of badly sited masts. Local councillors, answerable to local residents via the ballot box, should have the final say on where they go."
(gmcg)
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22 August 2013
400,000 Homes With Planning Permission Still Waiting To Be Built
New research published today reveals there are still nearly 400,000 homes in England which have been given planning permission but haven't yet been built. The study, commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) and carried out by Glenigan, shows that there has been little progress made in reducing the bumper backlog over the past year.
400,000 Homes With Planning Permission Still Waiting To Be Built
New research published today reveals there are still nearly 400,000 homes in England which have been given planning permission but haven't yet been built. The study, commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) and carried out by Glenigan, shows that there has been little progress made in reducing the bumper backlog over the past year.
09 November 2009
Miliband Backs Nuclear Expansion
The UK will 'fast track' a new set of nuclear reactors, the Climate Secretary said today. Making the announcement, Ed Miliband insisted the country could not afford to "say no" to nuclear power. Mr Miliband outlined almost a dozen sites identified as suitable for new energy schemes, across northern and southern England, and north Wales.
Miliband Backs Nuclear Expansion
The UK will 'fast track' a new set of nuclear reactors, the Climate Secretary said today. Making the announcement, Ed Miliband insisted the country could not afford to "say no" to nuclear power. Mr Miliband outlined almost a dozen sites identified as suitable for new energy schemes, across northern and southern England, and north Wales.
20 September 2005
Government postpones council tax revaluation
The government has announced plans to postpone the revaluation of council tax in England. Local Government Minister David Miliband said that the delay would mean that the issue could be discussed as part of Sir Michael Lyons’ inquiry into local government funding.
Government postpones council tax revaluation
The government has announced plans to postpone the revaluation of council tax in England. Local Government Minister David Miliband said that the delay would mean that the issue could be discussed as part of Sir Michael Lyons’ inquiry into local government funding.
06 September 2004
Tories pledge to axe 'educational bureaucracy'
The Tories have claimed that they could redirect £5.7 billion a year back into schools by axing thousands of civil servants, cutting back on local education authorities and scrapping quangos. The Opposition said that school spending could be dramatically stepped up by slashing back on "educational bureaucracy in central and local government".
Tories pledge to axe 'educational bureaucracy'
The Tories have claimed that they could redirect £5.7 billion a year back into schools by axing thousands of civil servants, cutting back on local education authorities and scrapping quangos. The Opposition said that school spending could be dramatically stepped up by slashing back on "educational bureaucracy in central and local government".
15 March 2004
Tory MP quits frontbench for 'family reasons'
The Tory local government spokesperson has quit his post for "family reasons", it has been reported today. David Curry has sent a resignation letter to party leader Michael Howard setting out his reasons for stepping down – which are apparently not related to the party's political direction.
Tory MP quits frontbench for 'family reasons'
The Tory local government spokesperson has quit his post for "family reasons", it has been reported today. David Curry has sent a resignation letter to party leader Michael Howard setting out his reasons for stepping down – which are apparently not related to the party's political direction.
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