HEALTH fears surrounding mobile phone masts are not a valid reason for councils to turn down planning applications, according to revised Government guidelines.

The updated Planning Policy Guidance document, which seeks to clarify councils' approach to mast applications, could lead to greater confusion and has been greeted with concern by Watford Council.

It was drawn up in consultation with councils following widespread anxiety surrounding potential health risks, and the ease with which masts are erected.

Watford Council's recommendations to the Government called for more weight to be given to public perceptions of danger, which are already included as a material planning consideration in Watford's district plan.

But the new guidelines stress the planning system should not be used to consider possible health risks a move which is unlikely to reassure residents and councillors campaigning for tighter controls.

Watford is currently awaiting a planning inspector's decision following a public inquiry into its decision to refuse two masts in Cassiobury Drive. Perceived harm to nearby residents and schools was one of the reasons the masts were rejected.

A spokesman for Watford Council said the new guidelines had been greeted with concern by the town's planners.

He said: "We expect there to be more and more applications coming in. The Government is saying we have got longer to actually make a decision but at the same time is giving us less grounds to refuse them on. It is making life more difficult."

But he added it was too early to say exactly what impact the new guidelines would have on the council's approach to mast applications.

They will be discussed at a full council meeting on Tuesday, October 16. The council's highways and planning committee will consider the implications for Watford's planning blueprint the Watford District Plan.

Key changes will mean more public consultation on masts of 15 metres and below and consultation with school governors on all proposals for new masts on or near a school or college.

The document has also increased the time for councils to consider "prior approval" applications for masts under 15 metres from 28 to 56 days. This will be welcomed by council officers, who were strongly criticised after failing to meet deadlines resulting in three masts going up despite applications being turned down.

The new guidelines were presented to Watford Council's development control committee on Wednesday, September 12, when an application for a mast near Bushey and Oxhey station was blocked.

More than 40 letters were received from residents objecting to plans to erect the 22.5 metre mast behind homes in Grover Road. Again fears about possible health risks were taken into account when rejecting the mast.

Liaison officer for the Oxhey Village Environment Group Mr Geoff Greenstreet applauded the committee's decision after speaking against the development on behalf of the group.

October 11, 2001 20:52

Jo Stephenson