CAMPAIGNERS against unwanted mobile telephone masts have received a boost with the publication of an independent inquiry.

The inquiry is expected to propose that local authorities should be given full control over the building of new masts.

At present a loophole in the law means that masts can be built

without planning permission from the council.

A proposed 15-metre telephone mast on a railway embankment near to Ben Rhydding Station attracted a petition against it from nearby

residents.

Although the telecommunications company, Orange, did not need planning permission, Bradford Council refused to grant 'prior approval' to the mast after taking into account local objections.

The company can appeal but if the findings of the Stewart Report back the council's position when they are implemented, then Orange would have to look elsewhere to site the mast.

District and parish Tory Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, who backed the residents' campaign in March this year, said she was delighted at the findings of the report.

She said: "This is a great breakthrough for those of us concerned about the possible proliferation of monster phone masts as a result of future mobile communications technology.

"If mobile phone companies can afford to pay £22 billion to bid for licenses, they can afford to construct masts and look for sites in

keeping with their local environment.

"It is essential to give local communities greater control over

planning applications for new masts."

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