Archive - Thursday, 31 January 2002


Find by date

Other ways to search

Also look for

Never miss anything again. Sign up for our RSS news feeds and Newsletters.

Test case could decide TETRA future

A TEST case on which the police's new telecoms system could hinge opened yesterday at Stroud District Council headquarters.

If the police loses its appeal against SDC's decision to refuse planning permission for a TETRA antenna at Rodborough, it could set the whole system back and fix a precedent for TETRA planning applications across Gloucestershire, if not the whole country.

The police and TETRA operators Airwave MMO2 argue they need planning permission for the antenna to ensure proper coverage for the radio system, which would greatly improve operational communication.

So far, eight of 11 TETRA planning applications have been thrown out by Stroud District Council development control committee.

SDC planning officers had originally recommended that permission for the antenna at Rodborough be granted. But councillors rejected the application last year because of the level of public concern over possible health risks.

Its opponents, including Lynne Edmunds of Stroud Area Residents Against Harmful Radiation argue that not enough is known about possible health risks and that the radiation emission guidelines are not strict enough.

In his opening address, Trevor Blaney representing the applicants, argued that it is not the planning authority's place to rule on public health concerns in this case.

"It's the Government's firm view that this should not be made by the planning process," he said.

"If it meets the international guidelines it should not be necessary for local planning authorities to consider it any further."

Judy Evans, representing SDC, explained that the council's decision should stand because public concern was a material planning consideration.

"Simply saying that it complies with the guidelines is of no comfort in this case," she said.

The appeal hearing began on Tuesday morning as the News & Journal went to press and is expected to conclude today, Wednesday. The Government-appointed inspector, Martyn Bingley will then make a decision.