ZAB Rejects Cell Phone Antennas on UC Storage
http://www.berkeleydaily.org/text/article.cfm?issue=01-30-07&storyID=26205
Informant: Martin Weatherall
Informant: Martin Weatherall
rudkla - 1. Feb, 11:19
Mobile Radio (worldwide) - Mobilfunk (weltweit) Buergerwelle
Donnerstag, 1. Februar 2007
Council consider alien phone mast
By Chris Wickham
An alien' phone mast might not be built after the council revealed they own the land and have not yet given permission for it to be erected.
Government planning inspectors ruled a T-Mobile mast with an 18.65metre tall tower and six antennae could be built at Strawberry Hill Golf Club despite opposition from residents and a rejection of the plan by Richmond upon Thames council.
But the council have said they own the freehold of the land and are still considering whether to give landowner consent to the proposal.
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The council, as planning authority, refused the T-Mobile application in May last year because its visual impact would be detrimental to the character and appearance of metropolitan open land.
Residents had been upset about the location of the mast, in the south eastern corner of the club next to the railway line between Fulwell and Strawberry Hill stations.
The proposed site is about 450 metres from St James's RC Primary School, on Stanley Road, and 320 metres from Stanley Infant School, on Strathmore Road, as well as Stanley Junior School, which is close by. But planning inspector Jonathan Philip Roberts said because the mast met guidelines for public exposure to radio waves, health issues were not a factor.
Mr Roberts overturned the council's decision to reject permission for the mast, despite admitting the size of the mast would damage openness, create an alien feature and be incongruous in an open, largely undeveloped and lands- caped setting.
But the mast might not now be built if Richmond council, as landowner, decides not to grant permission.
A council spokesperson said: "The council owns the freehold of the land, which is leased to Strawberry Hill Golf Club. We raised concerns about the proposals with the club at an early stage, having heard about them on an informal basis.
"We were also surprised to see a planning application being pursued without our landowning consent to the proposals being obtained first.
"The club, on behalf of T-Mobile, has now formally asked us to consider giving landowning consent, following the planning inspectorate's decision. We are giving the request detailed consideration and will be responding to the club shortly."
© Copyright 2001-2007 Newsquest Media Group
http://tinyurl.com/2pawcv
An alien' phone mast might not be built after the council revealed they own the land and have not yet given permission for it to be erected.
Government planning inspectors ruled a T-Mobile mast with an 18.65metre tall tower and six antennae could be built at Strawberry Hill Golf Club despite opposition from residents and a rejection of the plan by Richmond upon Thames council.
But the council have said they own the freehold of the land and are still considering whether to give landowner consent to the proposal.
advertisement
The council, as planning authority, refused the T-Mobile application in May last year because its visual impact would be detrimental to the character and appearance of metropolitan open land.
Residents had been upset about the location of the mast, in the south eastern corner of the club next to the railway line between Fulwell and Strawberry Hill stations.
The proposed site is about 450 metres from St James's RC Primary School, on Stanley Road, and 320 metres from Stanley Infant School, on Strathmore Road, as well as Stanley Junior School, which is close by. But planning inspector Jonathan Philip Roberts said because the mast met guidelines for public exposure to radio waves, health issues were not a factor.
Mr Roberts overturned the council's decision to reject permission for the mast, despite admitting the size of the mast would damage openness, create an alien feature and be incongruous in an open, largely undeveloped and lands- caped setting.
But the mast might not now be built if Richmond council, as landowner, decides not to grant permission.
A council spokesperson said: "The council owns the freehold of the land, which is leased to Strawberry Hill Golf Club. We raised concerns about the proposals with the club at an early stage, having heard about them on an informal basis.
"We were also surprised to see a planning application being pursued without our landowning consent to the proposals being obtained first.
"The club, on behalf of T-Mobile, has now formally asked us to consider giving landowning consent, following the planning inspectorate's decision. We are giving the request detailed consideration and will be responding to the club shortly."
© Copyright 2001-2007 Newsquest Media Group
http://tinyurl.com/2pawcv
rudkla - 1. Feb, 10:47
Village says no to another mast
Residents in Cubbington fear the floodgates have opened for communications companies to use their villages as a "dumping ground for masts".
This week phone company T Mobile expressed an interest in installing a mast in Cubbington Road, opposite the Rugby Tavern.
Their enquiry - directed at ward councillor Norman Pratt before submitting an application - follows the fiercely contested application made by O2 for the same plot of land last year.
Residents turned out in force to protest against O2's plans, which were eventually refused by Warwick District Council's planning committee.
But despite a residents' petition carrying more than 1,000 signatures, the committee's decision was overturned on appeal.
In T Mobile's letter to Coun Pratt it has stated that the site next to the existing O2 mast is a "preferred location" for the company.
And county councillor Pratt hopes "people power" will be more successful is rebuffing the latest application.
He said: "We have already got one on that verge that we objected strongly to but lost out to a decision made by an inspector in Bristol.
"I know the health factors are not taken into account, because there is no firm evidence, but having two of these next to each other could be a lot more dangerous than we think.
"This proposal will not only lend greater weight to the objections made at the time of the O2 application, but will set a precedent which those areas who already have a mast may find difficult to resist.
"This could be the thin end of the wedge as who knows how many more companies could take a similar approach."
He added: "Needless to say this further application will be strenuously resisted. There are a number of recent examples where people power has won the day, and it is hoped as many people as possible will give their support for moves to have this latest application thrown out."
Parish councillor David Saul is also urging people to take note and be prepared with their objections if a formal application is submitted.
He said: "This is totally inappropriate for that site because of the situation. It is like putting it in the middle of a housing estate.
"In fact it's like putting a bomb in the middle of a housing estate, a ticking bomb, because we don't know the affect it will have.
"Because of the size of these companies and the power they yield we are being kept away from the truth about the health effects.
"I urge residents to get out on the streets and use their democratic right. I just hope Cubbington is not going to become a dumping ground for phone masts."
A comment from T Mobile was not available as the Courier went to press.
31 January 2007
All rights reserved © 2007 Johnston Press Digital Publishing.
http://www.leamingtonspatoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=691&ArticleID=1995017
This week phone company T Mobile expressed an interest in installing a mast in Cubbington Road, opposite the Rugby Tavern.
Their enquiry - directed at ward councillor Norman Pratt before submitting an application - follows the fiercely contested application made by O2 for the same plot of land last year.
Residents turned out in force to protest against O2's plans, which were eventually refused by Warwick District Council's planning committee.
But despite a residents' petition carrying more than 1,000 signatures, the committee's decision was overturned on appeal.
In T Mobile's letter to Coun Pratt it has stated that the site next to the existing O2 mast is a "preferred location" for the company.
And county councillor Pratt hopes "people power" will be more successful is rebuffing the latest application.
He said: "We have already got one on that verge that we objected strongly to but lost out to a decision made by an inspector in Bristol.
"I know the health factors are not taken into account, because there is no firm evidence, but having two of these next to each other could be a lot more dangerous than we think.
"This proposal will not only lend greater weight to the objections made at the time of the O2 application, but will set a precedent which those areas who already have a mast may find difficult to resist.
"This could be the thin end of the wedge as who knows how many more companies could take a similar approach."
He added: "Needless to say this further application will be strenuously resisted. There are a number of recent examples where people power has won the day, and it is hoped as many people as possible will give their support for moves to have this latest application thrown out."
Parish councillor David Saul is also urging people to take note and be prepared with their objections if a formal application is submitted.
He said: "This is totally inappropriate for that site because of the situation. It is like putting it in the middle of a housing estate.
"In fact it's like putting a bomb in the middle of a housing estate, a ticking bomb, because we don't know the affect it will have.
"Because of the size of these companies and the power they yield we are being kept away from the truth about the health effects.
"I urge residents to get out on the streets and use their democratic right. I just hope Cubbington is not going to become a dumping ground for phone masts."
A comment from T Mobile was not available as the Courier went to press.
31 January 2007
All rights reserved © 2007 Johnston Press Digital Publishing.
http://www.leamingtonspatoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=691&ArticleID=1995017
rudkla - 1. Feb, 00:00
Mittwoch, 31. Januar 2007
Report on the RFR Wireless Cities Summit
http://www.emfacts.com/weblog/index.php?p=640
http://freepage.twoday.net/search?q=wi-fi
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=wi-fi
http://freepage.twoday.net/search?q=wi-fi
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=wi-fi
rudkla - 31. Jan, 22:25
Delight as 'eyesore' Lee mast is rejected
Phone Masts are always a recipe for controversy
A BID to build a towering mobile phone mast has been turned down, to the delight of residents.
The 12-metre-high pole, for the network 3, was to be located on the verge next to Portsmouth Road in Lee-on-the-Solent.
But planning permission was refused by Gosport Borough Council and now government inspectors have kicked out an appeal against the decision, saying the mast would be an eyesore.
Gareth Isaac, planning inspector, said: 'In my view, because of the height and position, the proposed new pole would be an unduly dominant feature in the context of its surroundings.
'This would be all the more apparent because of the open and exposed location.'
He said more coverage for the network is needed in the area, but he did not think this was the correct site.
Councillor Chris Carter said: 'This is excellent news for local residents and does, I believe, send out a wider message. Local residents will be delighted.
'I think they will continue looking, but clearly they will think more carefully about it next time.'
The mast was to be set up by Ericsson, which is getting 3's network off the ground.
William Comery, corporate affairs manager at Ericsson Services Ltd, said: 'It is unfortunate that it hasn't been granted.
This will delay the improvement of 3's services in the area.'
Last Updated: 31 January 2007
All rights reserved ©2007 Johnston Press Digital Publishing
http://www.portsmouthtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2010509&SectionID=458
A BID to build a towering mobile phone mast has been turned down, to the delight of residents.
The 12-metre-high pole, for the network 3, was to be located on the verge next to Portsmouth Road in Lee-on-the-Solent.
But planning permission was refused by Gosport Borough Council and now government inspectors have kicked out an appeal against the decision, saying the mast would be an eyesore.
Gareth Isaac, planning inspector, said: 'In my view, because of the height and position, the proposed new pole would be an unduly dominant feature in the context of its surroundings.
'This would be all the more apparent because of the open and exposed location.'
He said more coverage for the network is needed in the area, but he did not think this was the correct site.
Councillor Chris Carter said: 'This is excellent news for local residents and does, I believe, send out a wider message. Local residents will be delighted.
'I think they will continue looking, but clearly they will think more carefully about it next time.'
The mast was to be set up by Ericsson, which is getting 3's network off the ground.
William Comery, corporate affairs manager at Ericsson Services Ltd, said: 'It is unfortunate that it hasn't been granted.
This will delay the improvement of 3's services in the area.'
Last Updated: 31 January 2007
All rights reserved ©2007 Johnston Press Digital Publishing
http://www.portsmouthtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2010509&SectionID=458
rudkla - 31. Jan, 18:39
School's fight against phone mast plan
Jan 31 2007
Report by Eileen O'Brien
PARENTS, governors and teachers at Ursuline College fear plans to build a 15 metre mobile phone mast just yards from school playing fields could put kids' lives at risk.
Head teacher Sister Alice Montgomery is fighting plans by Hutchinson 3G to put a mast outside the school on Canterbury Road, Westgate.
Sister Alice, 55, dubbed it 'madness', adding: "Experts simply do not know enough about the technology. It has the potential to harm young people. We have 1,000 children here and King Ethelbert school next door also has 1,000 walking past the site every day. If the worst happens, trying to prove someone's health is linked to a mast is virtually impossible.
"This is a school that spearheads sports and healthy living across Thanet. The proposal is totally inappropriate."
She has written to all 600 families at the school asking them to join her protest to Thanet council. Ursuline does not ban mobile phones but Sister Alice draws the line at a mast on her doorstep.
A spokesman for Harlequin, planning agents for Hutchinson 3G, said: "There are already four other masts in the immediate vicinity, but people don't notice them. Coverage for 3G is limited to a few hundred meters and placing the mast in a field wouldn't provide coverage where people are."
© owned by or licensed to Trinity Mirror Southern Limited 2007
http://tinyurl.com/yqcsve
Report by Eileen O'Brien
PARENTS, governors and teachers at Ursuline College fear plans to build a 15 metre mobile phone mast just yards from school playing fields could put kids' lives at risk.
Head teacher Sister Alice Montgomery is fighting plans by Hutchinson 3G to put a mast outside the school on Canterbury Road, Westgate.
Sister Alice, 55, dubbed it 'madness', adding: "Experts simply do not know enough about the technology. It has the potential to harm young people. We have 1,000 children here and King Ethelbert school next door also has 1,000 walking past the site every day. If the worst happens, trying to prove someone's health is linked to a mast is virtually impossible.
"This is a school that spearheads sports and healthy living across Thanet. The proposal is totally inappropriate."
She has written to all 600 families at the school asking them to join her protest to Thanet council. Ursuline does not ban mobile phones but Sister Alice draws the line at a mast on her doorstep.
A spokesman for Harlequin, planning agents for Hutchinson 3G, said: "There are already four other masts in the immediate vicinity, but people don't notice them. Coverage for 3G is limited to a few hundred meters and placing the mast in a field wouldn't provide coverage where people are."
© owned by or licensed to Trinity Mirror Southern Limited 2007
http://tinyurl.com/yqcsve
rudkla - 31. Jan, 18:34
Wildfield residents oppose Bell cell tower
By ALAN LICZYK
Some Wildfield residents are fighting the proposed installation of a Bell Mobility tower at the local St. Patrick's Church.
One of the residents, Dan O'Reilly, addressed Caledon council last Tuesday and asked if council would request the Association of Municipalities of Ontario develop a policy position paper on cellular relay transmission towers.
With the proliferation of cell towers, O'Reilly explained there's an urgent need for an expanded and more uniform policy or strategy to deal with three other areas of concern: loss of municipal control, esthetics and possible health and safety risks.
He noted the Bell Mobility tower could be 100 feet or higher and will stick out like a sore thumb.
He added they've made some progress in their campaign. In December the City of Brampton approved a recommendation from its heritage board to proceed with designation of the church under the Ontario Heritage Act.
He observed cell towers seem to be everywhere including one at Dixie and Mayfield roads, another at Airport and Mayfield roads, a third one near the Regional Road 50 and Mayfield Road intersection, and "the incredibly ugly structure that now looms over the Albion Bolton Community Centre."
O'Reilly pointed out there's a lot of scientific research that argues cell towers are a health and safety risk because of electromagnetic radiation.
"Long-term exposure to such radiation has been linked to leukemia, DNA damage, short- and longterm memory loss, buzzing in the ears and acceleration of cancer cells," he said.
The Vancouver school board, various American cities and countries such as New Zealand and Greece have limited or banned the placement of cell towers on or near schools, he explained.
"As well, the International Association of Firefighters, a labour union that represents professional firefighters in Canada and the United States oppose the use of fire stations as cell tower locations," he said. "These are the people who risk their lives running into burning buildings, and yet they're concerned about the potential of cell tower radiation."
O'Reilly was shocked when various Brampton officials told him all that would be needed for the project to proceed in Wildfield would be a site plan approval and a building permit.
Even if the city opposed the project, its decision could be overruled by Industry Canada, the federal government department that regulates cell towers, he said.
"It seems absolutely incredible the telecommunications industry and Industry Canada can and does bully municipal councils and override the rights of local citizens," O'Reilly said. "Caledon and every other municipality should have the right, on behalf of its citizens, to direct the placement of these towers."
Council will send its concern with the lack of municipal input into the location of cell towers in Caledon to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Dufferin- Caledon MP David Tilson.
Council also requested its planning and development staff prepare a report, with input from the Caledon environmental advisory committee, concerning the impact of radio waves.
http://www.caledoncitizen.com/news/2007/0131/news/008.html
Informant: Martin Weatherall
Some Wildfield residents are fighting the proposed installation of a Bell Mobility tower at the local St. Patrick's Church.
One of the residents, Dan O'Reilly, addressed Caledon council last Tuesday and asked if council would request the Association of Municipalities of Ontario develop a policy position paper on cellular relay transmission towers.
With the proliferation of cell towers, O'Reilly explained there's an urgent need for an expanded and more uniform policy or strategy to deal with three other areas of concern: loss of municipal control, esthetics and possible health and safety risks.
He noted the Bell Mobility tower could be 100 feet or higher and will stick out like a sore thumb.
He added they've made some progress in their campaign. In December the City of Brampton approved a recommendation from its heritage board to proceed with designation of the church under the Ontario Heritage Act.
He observed cell towers seem to be everywhere including one at Dixie and Mayfield roads, another at Airport and Mayfield roads, a third one near the Regional Road 50 and Mayfield Road intersection, and "the incredibly ugly structure that now looms over the Albion Bolton Community Centre."
O'Reilly pointed out there's a lot of scientific research that argues cell towers are a health and safety risk because of electromagnetic radiation.
"Long-term exposure to such radiation has been linked to leukemia, DNA damage, short- and longterm memory loss, buzzing in the ears and acceleration of cancer cells," he said.
The Vancouver school board, various American cities and countries such as New Zealand and Greece have limited or banned the placement of cell towers on or near schools, he explained.
"As well, the International Association of Firefighters, a labour union that represents professional firefighters in Canada and the United States oppose the use of fire stations as cell tower locations," he said. "These are the people who risk their lives running into burning buildings, and yet they're concerned about the potential of cell tower radiation."
O'Reilly was shocked when various Brampton officials told him all that would be needed for the project to proceed in Wildfield would be a site plan approval and a building permit.
Even if the city opposed the project, its decision could be overruled by Industry Canada, the federal government department that regulates cell towers, he said.
"It seems absolutely incredible the telecommunications industry and Industry Canada can and does bully municipal councils and override the rights of local citizens," O'Reilly said. "Caledon and every other municipality should have the right, on behalf of its citizens, to direct the placement of these towers."
Council will send its concern with the lack of municipal input into the location of cell towers in Caledon to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Dufferin- Caledon MP David Tilson.
Council also requested its planning and development staff prepare a report, with input from the Caledon environmental advisory committee, concerning the impact of radio waves.
http://www.caledoncitizen.com/news/2007/0131/news/008.html
Informant: Martin Weatherall
rudkla - 31. Jan, 17:34
Massive backing for phone mast fight
By Hayley Cover
Michael Haines prepares to hand over his petition to the city council
A petition with more than 1,200 signatures has been handed to Oxford City Council in a bid to fight plans for a mobile phone mast in Marston.
Mobile giant Vodafone wants to put the mast - disguised as a telegraph pole - in Jack Straw's Lane, near St Michael and All Angels Church.
The site in Marston Road is only 100 yards from a previous spot where a mast had been proposed a year ago.
Marston resident Michael Haines, who organised the petition, had collected 1,288 signatures by Monday.
Mr Haines, 66, of Croft Road, said: "I got my final signature on Monday. I was very pleased with the support.
"Everyone was more than willing to sign it. I have been going round each area of Marston for the past two weeks which has taken a lot of time and effort, but it has been worth it.
"There was only a few that didn't want to sign it because of employment at the council."
This is not Mr Haines first petition. He collected 779 signatures when he successfully blocked the earlier mast application from the Newbury-based firm in November 2005.
Vodafone thinks the new location for the 10-metre high phone mast - which will provide high-quality 3G coverage to the Marston area of Oxford - will have less impact on the environment.
The pole is to be placed near a number of trees which will provide some screening for the site. But the residents think it is unsightly and are worried it could lead to health problems.
Mr Haines, who hopes the council will oppose this new application, said: "I think the city council has got to sit up and take notice now.
"There are a lot of signatures on the petition. The residents feel that this mast is being pushed on us.
"Why should we have to put up with something that is going to be unsightly and potentially dangerous to our health, when we don't even want it there?"
Vodafone spokesman Rob Matthews said: "All Vodafone's sites follow exposure guidelines backed by independent bodies such as the World Health Organisation.
Omega read "Base Stations, operating within strict national and international Guidelines, do not present a Health Risk?" under: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/
"There is a need for improved 3G coverage in this area of Oxford and without base stations people would not be able to use their 3G phones.
"Vodafone works closely with the council and local residents to ensure that their design is as visually unobtrusive as possible."
© Copyright 2001-2007 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.oxfordmail.net/display.var.1158370.0.massive_backing_for_phone_mast_fight.php
Michael Haines prepares to hand over his petition to the city council
A petition with more than 1,200 signatures has been handed to Oxford City Council in a bid to fight plans for a mobile phone mast in Marston.
Mobile giant Vodafone wants to put the mast - disguised as a telegraph pole - in Jack Straw's Lane, near St Michael and All Angels Church.
The site in Marston Road is only 100 yards from a previous spot where a mast had been proposed a year ago.
Marston resident Michael Haines, who organised the petition, had collected 1,288 signatures by Monday.
Mr Haines, 66, of Croft Road, said: "I got my final signature on Monday. I was very pleased with the support.
"Everyone was more than willing to sign it. I have been going round each area of Marston for the past two weeks which has taken a lot of time and effort, but it has been worth it.
"There was only a few that didn't want to sign it because of employment at the council."
This is not Mr Haines first petition. He collected 779 signatures when he successfully blocked the earlier mast application from the Newbury-based firm in November 2005.
Vodafone thinks the new location for the 10-metre high phone mast - which will provide high-quality 3G coverage to the Marston area of Oxford - will have less impact on the environment.
The pole is to be placed near a number of trees which will provide some screening for the site. But the residents think it is unsightly and are worried it could lead to health problems.
Mr Haines, who hopes the council will oppose this new application, said: "I think the city council has got to sit up and take notice now.
"There are a lot of signatures on the petition. The residents feel that this mast is being pushed on us.
"Why should we have to put up with something that is going to be unsightly and potentially dangerous to our health, when we don't even want it there?"
Vodafone spokesman Rob Matthews said: "All Vodafone's sites follow exposure guidelines backed by independent bodies such as the World Health Organisation.
Omega read "Base Stations, operating within strict national and international Guidelines, do not present a Health Risk?" under: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/
"There is a need for improved 3G coverage in this area of Oxford and without base stations people would not be able to use their 3G phones.
"Vodafone works closely with the council and local residents to ensure that their design is as visually unobtrusive as possible."
© Copyright 2001-2007 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.oxfordmail.net/display.var.1158370.0.massive_backing_for_phone_mast_fight.php
rudkla - 31. Jan, 17:13
