A BALLOCH couple received no notification of plans for a mobile phone mast outside their home - because it was more than four metres from their property.
Ian Macleod of Drumbowie View contacted the council to find out more about the 15 metre mast w
hich overlooks his home. In one letter he said: "As far as I can see, a proportion of radiation from this mast will pass straight through my house and its occupants.
"I object to the siting of this mast on health grounds and also on the appearance of it. As a resident directly affected by this mast I am further gravely concerned as to the lack of consultation prior to its erection.
"I can recall no information having been given to me regarding this matter and am unaware of any of my neighbours having been asked their views on it.
"I believe that this mast has been positioned here solely on cost grounds in terms of ease of erection and to make access to it easier for maintenance etc. and without due for the concerns of and possible health implications for local residents."
Responding to Mr Macleod in a letter, NLC's director of planning and environment David Porch said: "In accordance with Neighbour Notification procedures, all land that is within four metres of the boundary of the application site is required to be notified.
"In this instance it was not necessary to notify your property.
"All relevant local and national planning policy guidance was considered during the determination of the application and this included health concerns, siting and design. Property values and any impact on view are not considered material planning considerations.
"It should be noted that the applicant submitted the relevant ICNIRP Certificate which states that the equipment complies with the internationally recognised levels of electromagnetic emissions."
Bob McInnes, development control team leader said: "A planning application was submitted on 12th June 2002. During the process of considering this application, and prior to bringing it before the planning and environment committee, a statutory process has to be followed.
"Prior to the submission of this application, the local councillor and Balloch/Eastfield Community Council were consulted. And in accordance with Neighbour Notification procedures, all land that is within four metres of the boundary of the application site is required to be notified. This notification was carried out.
"All relevant local and national planning policy guidance was considered during the determination of the application and this included health concerns, siting and design. The applicant submitted the relevant ICNIRP Certificate which states that the equipment complies with the internationally recognised levels of electro-magnetic emmissions.
"The application was approved at North Lanarkshire Council's Planning and Environment Committee which was held on the 22nd of October 2003."
Councillor Betty Gemmell said: "Although I was not the local councillor at the time of the initial application, as a member of the planning committee I can assure you that every every planning application is considered on its own merits and the considerations of people are taken on board. Any objections are given due consideration and a fair democratic vote is taken."
