Town may face action unless mast ban is lifted
A LONG-standing ban on mobile phone masts on council-owned land in Solihull looks set to end as 5G technology comes online.
For more than 20 years the authority has refused masts on its buildings due to fears about the alleged health risks of electronic communications equipment.
Councillors agreed in 1992 to refuse future requests to erect microwave dishes and, five years later, two applications to install radio antennae were dismissed, setting a precedent.
While telecoms giants have been able to use statutory powers to override the council stance when it comes to highways, the policy has effectively remained in place elsewhere.
But a report suggests Solihull will need to review its position in response to the government’s drive to increase 5G coverage, with town halls being urged to remove obstacles facing operators.
Failing to do so would fly in the face of the nationwide Electronic Communications Code and could leave the authority open to a legal challenge from companies.
But any application would still need to go through the standard planning process.
Council officer Martin Clayton said: “The explicit aim of the reforms, which are embodied in the ‘barrier busting’ measures recommended by both government and West Midlands Combined Authority, is to make it easier and more cost effective for network providers to deploy and maintain digital infrastructure.”
The decisions taken in the 1990s came at a time when there was widespread uncertainty about the possible impact that the technology could have on people’s health.
In his report, Mr Clayton said that scientific research over the last two decades has considered these fears.
Advice quoted on Public Health England’s website said: “Independent expert groups in the UK and at international level have examined the accumulated body of research evidence.
“Their conclusions support the view that health effects are unlikely to occur if exposures are below international guideline levels.”
Although a recent row over a mast installed in Yardley Wood Road, in Solihull Lodge, proves the issue is still controversial.
The issue will be considered by the council’s cabinet at its next meeting on October 10.