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Phone mast plan booted out

From the archive, first published Friday 1st Jul 2005.

Councillors have booted out plans for a new phone mast in Halesowen and issued a stark warning for mobile operators.

The 11m T-Mobile monopole was planned for Lutley Mill Road steelworks but was overwhelmingly given the thumbs-down by members of Dudley Council's development control committee on Monday.

Campaigner cllr Ken Turner said: "The proposed antenna was on green belt land between two residential areas. My objection to radio masts has long been known.

"There has been a recent note issued by the government in which it is mentioned mobile phones emit radio waves which can penetrate human tissue."

Letters of objection to the mast flooded in to the council, along with a 26-name petition from people living nearby.

Cllr Bob James said: "There is some history about this piece of land which was donated to the council and was put down as green belt for no building on it.

"I thought phone companies were going to start sharing masts and I really think they ought to get their act together."

Committee member cllr Margaret Wilson said: "It is about time phone operators found a new way of protecting people from radiation.

"The phone itself can be a lifesaver and has proved itself to be so. But there should be some mechanism to say these companies will not even contemplate putting antennas where there are residents - particularly children - nearby."

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