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Telecommunications

Networks and operators

There are 5 licensed mobile phone operators in the UK – O2 (formerly known as Cellnet); Vodafone; T-Mobile (formerly known as Mercury One-2-One); Orange and 3 (full name Hutchison 3G).

3 is the newest operator and needs to build a completely new network. The other operators all have existing networks.

Each operator needs its own network in order to provide a service. A network comprises a series of radio base stations, each with a coverage area known as a ‘cell’. These cells can vary from under 1km in diameter to 20-30km diameter.

The base station comprises a number of antennas, microwave dishes and equipment cabins, which enable mobile phones to connect to each other and to the BT exchange. The antennas and dishes can either be placed on freestanding masts or on buildings. Some of the smallest base stations are built into street furniture or are disguised as burglar alarms fixed to walls.

Planning requirements

Apart from some very small installations, for example microcells, which cover a very small area, such as 2-3 streets, operators will need to apply for some form of consent from the local planning authority prior to installing any equipment.

For smaller masts or smaller installations on buildings, an application for prior approval is required. For larger installations, such as masts over 15m in height, or for development in a Conservation Area, then a full planning application will be required.

In either case, the consultation procedure is similar and involves a site notice and letters to local residents. This gives concerned parties an opportunity to express their views to the council. A decision is usually made within 8 weeks of the application date.

A list of recent applications is available by following the link to recent applications in the downloads area on the right hand side of this page.

The council has to consider applications in line with the development plan and local plan and inline with central government policy (mainly contained in Planning Policy Guidance Note no. 8 (PPG8), 'Telecommunications' - see link in Appendix).

Central government has also published a code of best practice on mobile phone network development. See the link on the right hand side of this page.

The Walsall context

The way in which the walsall has developed has resulted in a number of constraints which affect all forms of development. These include conservation areas, listed buildings, the green belt and the density of residential development.

For these reasons, great care has to be taken in the choice of location for masts and antennas. This has to be balanced against the increasing demand for mobile services and the government’s desire to provide the technology to meet that demand.

The mobile phone operators have agreed a number of commitments in an attempt to improve relations with the public and local authorities - you will find the link at the bottom of the page - The Ten Commitments.

The council encourages pre-application discussions with the operators to ensure that all options are explored. This should enable applications in unsuitable locations to be discouraged early on.

Discussions continue when an application is submitted, often in an effort to minimize the visual impact of the proposed installation.

The operators are encouraged to place antennas on existing masts or buildings, to reduce visual impact. Where this is not possible, a new mast may be the only option, but the Council will ensure that this is sensitively designed and that use is made of existing or new screening, such as trees, fences or buildings.

Health issues

Base stations, just like mobile phones, emit radio waves, or electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Man-made sources of EMFs also include power lines, broadcasting transmitters, VDUs and television sets.

This radiation has been around for many decades and is an increasing source of concern for members of the public. Despite several studies, there is no conclusive evidence about the safety or otherwise of EMFs.

The most significant recent study, ‘Mobile Phones and Health’, also known as the Stewart Report concluded:

“1.17 The balance of evidence to date suggests that exposures to RF radiation below NRPB and ICNIRP guidelines do not cause adverse health effects to the general population.
1.18 There is now scientific evidence, however, which suggests that there may be biological effects occurring at exposures below these guidelines.
1.19 We recommend a precautionary approach…”

See link to the Stewart Report at the bottom of the page

Central Government policy, in response to the Stewart Report, is contained in PPG8, Telecommunications. Local Authorities are required to comply with this. PPG8 states -

“It is the Government’s firm view that the planning system is not the place for determining health safeguards…..In the Government’s view, if a proposed mobile base station meets the ICNIRP guidelines for public exposure it should not be necessary for a local planning authority…to consider further the health aspects and concerns about them.”

Note: The ICNIRP Guidelines are a set of radiation levels proposed by an international body. These are used as the maximum recommended levels of radiation for base stations.

With every application, the operators now have to include a ‘Certificate of Compliance’ with these ICNIRP radiation levels. Without this certificate, the application would not be determined.

All base stations are now designed to be within the ICNIRP guidelines and most operate at fractions of these defined radiation levels. The Government has commissioned a series of independent tests of radiation levels from base stations.

Walsall Council will continue to encourage operators to site stations sensitively and as far away from schools, hospitals and residential areas as possible.

Operators are normally happy to discuss concerns directly with residents, housing groups, businesses, councils, etc. Contact details are to be found in the Appendix. The Department of Health has information on health issues.

Radiation monitoring programme

How are emissions controlled?

Various regulations and guidelines apply to the construction and operation of radio base stations, the most relevant, as far as the public is concerned, relate to their safety.

Government requires all mobile phone installations to comply with the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection) public exposure guidelines as recommended by the European Union.

The guidelines are frequency-dependent. At 900 MHz the guideline is 4.5 W/m2 (or 41V/m), at 1800 MHz it is 9 W/m2 (or 58 V/m) and at 2100 MHz, it is 10 W/m2 (or 61 V/m).

The results from the monitor are expressed in Volts per metre (V/m).

Government research

Research to date has shown that, there is no evidence of any adverse effects from mobile phone technologies. However, research continues in the form of the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Project to which Vodafone, other operators and the Government have committed a total of £7 million.

Where base stations are located

Central government keeps a register of base stations nationwide. See the Government Mast Register. In addition, the walsall council maintains a Telecommunication Register.

Council policy – a summary

The Council seeks to ensure that:

  • all phone operators comply with all Local and Central Government policies and guidelines
  • full and proper consultation is carried out with all parties
  • development is designed sensitively so as to minimize the visual impact
  • radiation levels are kept as low as possible and in any case, below the ICNIRP guidelines.

Appendix

Please find below a list of useful contacts which provide further information:

Links and Helplines to the Mobile Phone Operators:

This page was last updated on 03 October 2008