What is the position with TETRA masts in relation to planning?
Local planning authorities are referred to NPPG19 paragraphs 53 – 55 which state that the health issues relating to telecommunications have been addressed by the Scottish Executive, and so should not be considered by planning authorities. NPPG 19 is not legally binding, however, and increasingly health, and perceived risk to health are being accepted as a legitimate planning concern.In England, many planning committees have already set aside the equivalent English planning guidelines, and have taken health into consideration when making their decision on TETRA mast applications. Moreover, some judicial reviews in England have decided that health, and perceived risk to health, are indeed legitimate planning concerns when TETRA objectors have taken planning committee decisions to court.
