Waverley's In depth review of phone technology continues (South West Surrey Liberal Democrats)

South West Surrey Liberal Democrats <info@swsurreylibdems.org.uk>

Waverley's In depth review of phone technology continues

January 27, 2006 1:42 AM

Waverley's in-depth review into the potential impact of mobile phone technology and the positioning of masts continues next week at a special meeting of the council's environment and leisure overview and scrutiny committee.

At the meeting members of the committee will consider the information gathered to date and identifying areas to examine further. The council decided to undertake a review in order to explore local residents' ongoing concerns about the siting of masts and to assist and inform the council as landowner, local planning authority and user of the technology in the course of its business.

The review has looked into the council's current planning policy regarding telephone masts, at the number and siting of telephone masts across the borough, local usage of mobile phones, recent developments in technology, the likely future requirements of network operators and the potential health and environmental implications of mobile phone technology.

At the meeting of the committee last November, councillors received evidence from a number of invited individuals including representatives from mobile phone operators, the Health Protection Agency and a local mast action group.

Councillor Patrick Haveron, Waverley's portfolio holder for planning and major projects said: "Due to fast-moving advancements in communications technology, Waverley is increasingly needing to consider and determine planning applications for phone masts across the borough from mobile phone operators. The invaluable work of the committee in reviewing the important issues will help ensure that the planning management committees are able to make informed decisions on applications that will balance the needs of the community and landscape with the need for modern communications."

Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting, which will take place on Tuesday 31st January 2005, at 7pm in the Council Chamber in Godalming. There will not be an opportunity for the public to speak at the meeting. However, people can contribute their views in writing or by e-mail. Please send comments to Peter Driscoll, Waverley Borough Council, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1HR or e-mail pdriscoll@waverley.gov.uk.