Anti-5G Campaigners in Wealden

Anti-5G campaigners call on district councillors to review planning policies before approving 5G rollout in Wealden.

10:31 23 December 2019

Campaigners opposing the rollout of 5G technology have called on Wealden district councillors to review their planning policies at a meeting on 27 November. Campaigners, who were concerned that the technology may pose health risks, want the council to delay the installation of 5G infrastructure over fears that the technology would increase public exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the form of radiowaves.

 

 

 

Council leaders have responded saying that any decisions related to the rollout of 5G technology in the district will be made in line with national planning guidance and health standards.

 

 

 

Cabinet member for planning Ann Newton said: "The council does not have any plans to implement its own standards in this regard but will be following the nationally prescribed standards.

 

 

 

"The council is mindful that government policy, through the National Planning Policy Framework, specifically sets out the following: ‘local planning authorities must determine applications on planning grounds only.

 

 

 

"They should not seek to prevent competition between different operators, question the need for an electronic communications system, or set health safeguards different from the International Commission guidelines for public exposure."