THE SITING OF MOBILE PHONE MASTS ON OR NEAR SCHOOL PREMISES

INTRODUCTION

This guidance note highlights points governing bodies should consider if they are consulted by local planning authorities or mobile phone network operators regarding possible siting of mobile phone masts on or near school premises.

It also summarises the main findings of the report of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (the Stewart Report) and lists sources of further information on this issue.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION – THE STEWART REPORT

An Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, chaired by Sir William Stewart, was set up at the request of the Minister for Public Health in 1999. The Group published its report in May 2000.

The main conclusions were:

• the balance of evidence examined suggested that exposure to radio-frequency (RF) radiation below national and international guidelines does not cause adverse health effects to the general population   
• it was not possible to say that exposure to RF radiation, even at levels below national guidelines, was totally without potential adverse health effects and that gaps in knowledge were sufficient to justify a precautionary approach

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOLS

The Stewart Group looked at the issue of siting base stations on or near schools. In doing so it was noted that “exposure to members of the public from base stations is very much less than current guidelines. In giving special attention to schools, the Expert Group was responding very largely to public concern rather than any proven health hazard” - clarification given by the Stewart Group to the Chief Medical Officer in June 2000.

The pattern of radio waves emitted from a base station is generally even, but there is a zone within each cell where the concentration of waves will be slightly higher. The base station operator will be able to provide information about the pattern of radio wave emissions if a school or parents are concerned about the possibility that this zone includes a school or any part of its grounds. If there is no agreement from the school and parents, the network operator may need to readjust the antenna. This will apply to existing and new base stations.

PLANNING ARRANGEMENTS – CONSULTATION WITH SCHOOLS

In August 2001 the planning arrangements for telecommunications masts were changed. Among the new measures introduced was a requirement for governors to be consulted on all proposals for new masts on or near a school or college.

Schools may be consulted by (i) the network operators before submitting an application to erect a mast and by (ii) local planning authorities when the planning application is received.

(i) Consultation by Network Operators

Before submitting an application to erect a mast, network operators should consult with the relevant governing bodies of schools in order to seek to develop solutions in partnership with them. 

The consultation will not directly include parents, but it will be up to governing bodies to consider how best to involve parents either by providing information or by consulting with them. The DfES considers it is good practice for schools to consult parents when considering the siting of a base station on their premises. Governors may wish to make the information contained in this guidance note and elsewhere available to parents in these circumstances.

The operators should provide evidence to the local planning authority that they have consulted with the relevant governing body of the school when making an application. 

(ii) Consultation by Local Planning Authorities

Once a planning application has been received local planning authorities are required to consult locally, including with schools, where a development is proposed on or near their premises.

They should consult with the relevant governing body and take account of any pertinent views expressed. Consultation should be in writing to the relevant governing body, inviting comments by a specified time.

If schools have queries or concerns about any aspect of the consultation process, they should contact the relevant local planning authority (District Council) for advice.

Schools will be consulted by local planning authorities and network operators when some or all of the following factors apply:

· the proposed site is on school grounds

· the proposed development would be seen from the school or its grounds

· the site is on a main access point used by pupils/students to the school

· there is a history of concern about base stations in the local community

· the local planning authority has requested consultation with the school

· the school has requested that it be included in any consultation

Health Considerations

Planning guidance advises that ‘if a proposed mobile phone base station meets the international guidelines for public exposure, it should not be necessary for local planning authorities to consider further the health aspects and concerns about them.’

The Government’s view is that ‘local planning authorities should not implement their own precautionary policies e.g. by imposing a ban or moratorium on new telecommunications development or insisting on minimum distances between new telecommunications development and existing development.’

FURTHER INFORMATION

· Further information on this issue can be obtained from www.teachernet.gov.uk

Click on ‘Management’, then click on ‘A to Z of School Leadership and Management’, then click on ‘A to Z index’, then select M for Mobile Phones and Base Stations.

· The full report of the Stewart Group can be accessed at the following website: www.iegmp.org.uk

· The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) provides general information and advice on radiation protection in the UK at the following website: www.nrpb.org.uk