Radio Base Station proposed for Ash Lane

I have just received, recorded delivery, news that Orange mobile phone network hope to put a 15 metre mast up at land adjacent to Ash Lane, Randwick (UPDATE: I did not have the accurate location of the mast - see 20th March) I have until 13th March to comment to them on this proposal: similarly the Parish Council have been invited to comment along with any residents who may also want to express their views. I have therefore hurriedly thrown together this blog entry for the Randwick Runner....

Photo: Site for entrance to mast on Ash Lane and below diagram of mast

Orange have not yet put a planning application into Stroud District Council but will do so, after the response they get in this initial "consultation". I, along with the Parish and several residents have contacted some local people but clearly there maybe many others who also want to make their views know. The time frame is very tight indeed, but this is only 'consultation' by Orange and not part of the local authorities consultation process. Although it is worth noting that generally it is only masts over 15 metres that require full planning permission.

Orange note they have tried to find alternative sites but as far as I understand it seems they consider this site best meets their requirements. They have not let us know where else they have looked.

My initial view is that this site would be very visually intrusive for a mast - not from all angles but particularly looking east/west. I plan to view the site more closely but wanted to meet the Runners deadline so that residents can also make comments if they wish. Visual impact, particularly in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the strongest argument against this mast. I would be interested to hear how people consider it will effect them/

Health risk?

As many will know masts have been linked to health risks. The mobile phone companies are very good at putting forward evidence that shows there are no risks. However the Government's Stewart Report took a more cautious approach and sets out that the maximum beam of intensity should not fall on any part of a school premises. The Government guidelines in my view fudge this by leaving loop holes that allow masts to be built even on school buildings. Furthermore planning regulations make it very difficult to challenge masts on health risk fears: indeed I have been told by some planners that it is not worthwhile raising health concerns.

A couple of years ago I attended a national Mast Awareness Forum in Dorset that included experts from the Government's Regulatory Body, the National Radiological Protection Board and a number of independent scientists and other experts. The evidence of risks is still mixed, but in my view there is sufficient evidence to be concerned. Some scientists for example consider that children under the age of 11 are at greater risks from masts as their skulls are not developed properly. In one previous Orange application, a mast beam of greatest intensity was quoted as having a range of 750 metres. I have not yet looked at a map to see which homes in Randwick that range might include, nor have I been able yet to interpret the pages of data sent to me by Orange.

Many of us have long called for more action on this issue and at the very least called for the precautionary principle to be applied (the Precautionary principle states that in the event of doubt, risk should be avoided or minimised). I will view the site in more detail but will most likely be raising concerns with Orange about the visual impact and asking about what other sites have been considered.

If you want to comment on the site please use reference GLO136 and write to Martin Grey, Orange PCS Limited, The Point, 37 North Wharf Road, Paddington, London W2 1AG - or email comments to:

I, the Parish and some residents have more detailed plans of the site and proposals. Do please contact if you want further information. I would also welcome views from residents. All the best - Philip