Menu
09/12/2004
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)
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 August 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.
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.
11 January 2005
Campaign launched to improve uptake of council tax benefit
The Government has launched a campaign encouraging pensioners in England, Scotland and Wales to check if they are paying too much council tax. Adverts in the national press carry the message 'cut your council tax – find out if you should be paying less.
Campaign launched to improve uptake of council tax benefit
The Government has launched a campaign encouraging pensioners in England, Scotland and Wales to check if they are paying too much council tax. Adverts in the national press carry the message 'cut your council tax – find out if you should be paying less.
03 September 2004
Health of millions of employees hangs on smoking ban: study
Local authorities are being urged to make all workplaces and enclosed public places smokefree after new research found that millions of UK workers are still operating in smoky environments.
Health of millions of employees hangs on smoking ban: study
Local authorities are being urged to make all workplaces and enclosed public places smokefree after new research found that millions of UK workers are still operating in smoky environments.
04 June 2004
Government is considering smoking ban, Blair reveals
The Prime Minister has revealed that the government is considering allowing local councils to ban smoking in public places. Mr Blair told BBC Breakfast that there was a difficult balance to be struck a 'nanny state' enforcing a banning order, and allowing local councils and individual businesses to choose how they want to approach the issue.
Government is considering smoking ban, Blair reveals
The Prime Minister has revealed that the government is considering allowing local councils to ban smoking in public places. Mr Blair told BBC Breakfast that there was a difficult balance to be struck a 'nanny state' enforcing a banning order, and allowing local councils and individual businesses to choose how they want to approach the issue.
06 April 2004
Project to help vulnerable children praised
A project that uses state of the art technology to identify vulnerable children before they get to the point of offending has been praised by the Local e-Government Minister for successfully concluding the first phase of its pilot scheme.
Project to help vulnerable children praised
A project that uses state of the art technology to identify vulnerable children before they get to the point of offending has been praised by the Local e-Government Minister for successfully concluding the first phase of its pilot scheme.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
