Agenda and minutes

It was confirmed that all items on the agenda were marked Part 1 and were therefore considered in public.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as an accurate record by the Committee.

i. Update from Democratic Services Officers

ii. Consultation session with representatives from the Mobile Operators Association

The Chairman welcomed the following officers:

• Mr William Comery, Community Affairs Manager, Three
• Ms Christine Jude, Media and Communications Manager, Mobile Operators Association
• Mr James Rodger  - Head of Planning, LBH
• Mr Gareth Gwynne – Planning Advisor, LBH
• Mr Roger Bearpark – ICT Service Manager, LBH

Cllr Markham said the aim of the review was to look into the future growth of mobile telephone masts and ancillary equipment and the effects on the residents and environment of Hillingdon and beyond.

Members asked whether it was National Policy to make decisions on telecommunications mast placement without taking health aspects into account. Witnesses said National Government had indicated that so long as base stations conform to International Commission on Non-Ionizing RadiationProtection (ICNIRP) guidelines they were not dangerous to health. These guidelines were issued in 1998 and were constantly reviewed by ICNIRP which consists of scientists from across the world. In 2009/10 ICNIRP undertook a full scientific review of their guidelines which resulted in no major changes being made to their policy.  The organisation set guidelines for every frequency. ICNIRP would be holding their first ever meeting in the UK in 2012 in Edinburgh to undertake a full scientific review of their policies.
 
Members asked Officers what were the key health issues raised by members of the public with mobile phone operators? Witnesses said concerns had been raised about the effect of radio waves on humans. Witnesses said their answer was that research from Central Government, the World Health Organisation and ICNIRP suggested that the frequencies of these waves were very low and therefore not harmful to humans.

Each antenna had either an ‘occupational exclusion zone’ or ‘public exclusion zone’ set around it. Occupational exclusion zones were for people working close to antenna. The exclusion perimeter was dependant on the strength of the waves. Public exclusion zones were set for members of the public. For example, for 3G signal the occupational exclusion zone was set at 1m in front of antenna.

Each telecommunications application considered by the Planning Authority must hold an ICNIRP certificate to indicate that the site had been investigated and did not pose any health and safety issues. Mr James Rodger confirmed that mast applications received by the London Borough of Hillingdon did include ICNIRP certificates but did not state what the signal strength would be or what exclusion zone had been decided.

Members asked if radio waves were dangerous to human beings. Ms Jude said all waves could be dangerous depending on how close the person was standing to the outlet. If a person was standing next to a very large output of waves it could result in skin burn. However, for large waves outlets were not placed within the reach of members of the public.

Members asked whether Mobile Operators exceeded the signal strength limit imposed on them by ICNIRP. Mr Comery confirmed that the limit could not be exceeded on any mast. Witnesses said it was in the operator’s interest to operate at lower  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

Resolved:

The Committee considered and noted the Forward Plan.

Resolved:

The Committee considered and noted the Work Programme.