Mobile masts can go where they like

Changes to planning rules will stop local authorities imposing their own bans or restrictions on where mobile phone masts can be put up.

Local councils have refused planning permission in the past for masts near schools over concerns of the health implications. Some schools have seen putting masts on the roof as a way to earn extra income.

Phil Willis, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, accused the government of caving in to pressure from the mobile operators. Campaigners fear another 100,000 masts could be erected in the next five years, according to the Financial Times.

A government report last year called for special consideration of masts placed near schools.

In an interesting aside, Phil Willis, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, is the father of the actress who plays 'Connie', the helpful face of AOL's UK advertising campaign.