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Contact: Natasha Dogra
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To confirm that all items marked Part 1 will be considered in Public and that any items marked Part 2 will be considered in Private Minutes: It was confirmed that all items on the agenda were marked Part 1 and were therefore considered in public. |
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To agree the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 September 2011 Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as an accurate record by the Committee. |
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Review 1 - Witness Session 2 i. Update from Democratic Services Officers ii. Consultation session with representatives from the Mobile Operators Association Minutes: The Chairman welcomed the following officers:
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.
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. |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Resolved: The Committee considered and noted the Forward Plan. |
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Minutes: Resolved: The Committee considered and noted the Work Programme.
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