Statement on Tetra Masts

The Isle of Wight Council’s Strategic Director for Environment Services, Derek Rowell, said on Feb. 12 2004 that: “The council has had a moratorium on the use of Council land for any new mobile phone masts since January 2001. The executive has re-iterated this decision in response to the concerns of many members of the public about Tetra technology."

He continued: “We are currently looking at existing contracts with communications companies to ensure this commitment can be carried out with regard to Tetra being used on pre-2001 installations on Council land.”

“A number of Tetra masts on the Island have been given planning permission. As with any other planning applications, the council was required to follow the planning guidance. In all these cases the technology used was properly licensed, and the National Radiological Protection Board confirmed there is no factual evidence to prove that installations of this nature are unsafe."

“Recent case law has been contradictory and added to confusion over the issue. It is the Council’s position that this is a matter of national concern and should not be left to local authorities to determine through the courts on a case-by-case basis. For this reason, the Leader of the council has written to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister seeking further clarification about the safety of Tetra technology and we are awaiting a reply.”

December 2003 statement on tetra masts

Other Issues and Concerns

Bingham Report (pdf format)

Stewart Report

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