Phone Masts

Bournemouth Council has taken a series of actions over recent new masts.

So far officers have been instructed to

• meet with operators to request resiting the Fisherman's Avenue, Queen's Park South Drive, and Holly Tree Pub masts

• ask the operators to turn off the masts until alternative sites can be found

• publish information about mast roll-out plans, keep it up to date and easy to understand

• investigate fully planning blunders relating to some of the mast erections, and take immediate action to prevent mistakes in the future

• prepare for legal action if necessary

• ask operators to share masts (however the Council cannot legally force operators to do so)

The Council has amended its policy on allowing mobile phone masts on Council land.

Previously, the Council had said no masts could be sited within 200 metres of residential properties. However, this meant phone companies were ruling out using Council land.

They have been making use of planning laws which allow them to site their masts on the highway, often very close to homes.

The new Council policy lifts the 200 metre limit and says that applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

This isn't ideal, but should mean masts further away from homes.

Links

Phone mast rollout plans (Bournemouth Council).

Find phone masts near you.

Latest News

Tue 23rd May 2006: Lib Dem Council steps up action over Phone Masts. .

Tue 4th Apr 2006: Moordown phone mast update: Libdems back resident-led campaign.

Fri 3rd Mar 2006: Council publishes mobile phone mast plans after Lib Dem pressure.