Whitton phone mast set to go up despite school safety fears
http://www.thisislocallondon.com/matters/masts/display.var.620871.Phone+Masts.0.html
3:36pm Thursday 29th August 2002
The plan for a controversial phone mast next to a Whitton
school is set to be approved by Richmond upon Thames' planning
committee, despite objections from Twickenham's MP and hundreds
of parents and residents.
Over 800 people have signed a petition against the mast,
planned for an old telephone exchange in Ashdale Close which
backs on to St Edmunds School and is close to another.
Vincent Cable, MP for Twickenham has been concerned about the
proposed mast, even calling a special debate in Parliament to
highlight the worries of parents and residents in the area.
They are fearful of the potential health risks of the mast
and a statement on a circular letter, of which 95 individual
copies were received states: The proximity to St Edmunds School
renders this installation highly controversial.
Given the sensitivity of the positioning of the mast and the
level of local opposition we believe that the anxiety caused by
the perceived health risks is breaching the human rights of
parents, children and local residents'.
Yet, the council planning officer claims that although these
perceived health risks can be used as a consideration in
deciding applications, the government believes that local
planning system is not the place to decide on safeguards.
As far as the council is concerned, as long as the proposed
masts pass set guidelines on emissions, they do not have to
consider further health implications. He says that to refuse
this application on health grounds is a decision that could not
be defended.
The officer cites a case in Brixton where an application was
refused on the grounds of a perceived health risk. But he says
this case cannot be compared and is not a good case for refusal
as telephone equipment already exists on the Whitton site.
He said: "In addition, although the school boundary is close,
the school building will be over 100m away and the access is
from Nelson Road rather than Ashdale Close.
"The presence of a larger array of antennae since 1993 has
clearly not deterred parents from sending their children to the
nearby school.
"Members may feel that the strength of opposition is
sufficient to warrant refusal on perceived health grounds but
for the reasons mentioned I would not concur."
Dr Vincent Cable, MP for Twickenham said: "If approved, it
will be extremely disappointing as there were major concerns,
particularly by the schools and there has been major public
concern about this.
"I had a special debate in Parliament about this and got an
admission from the minister that health effects could be taken
into consideration in concerns. It would be highly improvident
if a mast in such a sensitive location was simply waved through
by the council.
"We had the school in some detail with developers showed
complete lack of concern for the welfare of the school. It would
very unfortunate if the council were to accept the official
advice as they would be in a good position if they turned it
down."
3:36pm Thursday 29th August 2002 |