Row erupts over controversial mobile phone masts ban

Sep 16 2009 Nick Moreton

A ROW has erupted over plans to lift a controversial ban on mobile phone masts being put up on council property.

A moratorium currently exists which prohibits the council from erecting mobile phone masts on its land and buildings.

The moratorium was rushed through in 2000 in response to people’s fears about the effect of the masts.

But critics have been pushing for months for the ban to be lifted, saying the rules lead to masts being put up in places less acceptable to the community.

The council could also generate additional income by siting masts on its land, particularly if there are significant advantages to the telecommunications company, and it was expected when councillors met last Thursday that the ban would be lifted.

However, the matter was deferred once again, with some councillors saying more information was needed on what was actually council-owned land and others saying they wanted the moratorium to stay and the matter should be debated.

Council and Liberal Democrat leader Tony Robertson said his party was fully behind the lifting of the ban.

He said: “We felt the original moratorium served a purpose at the time and was well intended, but it was rushed.

“It seems to be one of those issues where the other two political parties have far greater doubts than we do.

“But we don’t see any reason why the council should not consider relaxing the moratorium.