House of Commons · Westminster Hall
13 March 2024 · 4 other contributors · 4,888 words
Opened by Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Responding minister: Julia Lopez
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jim McMahon raised concerns about 5g masts: greater manchester in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
I urge the Government to revisit planning policy and permitted development rights for telecommunications infrastructure. The current system removes local authorities' ability to consult with residents adequately before installations, leading to increased community division and mistrust. I also call for a review of existing regulations to ensure that operators are required to share network infrastructure and consider alternatives such as upgrading 4G masts instead of installing new 5G ones.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The installation of 5G masts in residential areas by companies like IX Wireless is causing significant concern among local communities. The proposed installations are often large and intrusive, changing the character of neighbourhoods and raising issues related to visual amenity, public health, and community trust. Residents fear the lack of consultation and regulatory oversight leaves them voiceless when it comes to their immediate environment.
The hon. Member is thanked for raising the issue of 5G masts appearing overnight without consultation in Oldham East, from Shaw up to Grasscroft. The speaker supports the private Member's Bill by Dame Diana Johnson aimed at ensuring mandatory consultation before masts are erected.
The hon. Member is commended for raising concerns about health and safety issues arising from the installation of masts without adequate consultation in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Residents in Astley Bridge, Bradshaw, Harwood, Bromley Cross and Egerton are opposed to the installation of masts that can be 15 metres high. The speaker believes there should be a more thorough consultation process with residents. The hon. Member likened dealing with the placement of masts in Bolton North East to a 'whack-a-mole' game and called for more consultation with providers before installations are allowed to proceed.
The hon. Member raised concerns about the poor siting of masts in Bolton, describing them as blighting the landscape and causing distress to residents. She cited an instance where a mast was installed so close to a resident's wall that it would be impossible to repair the wall without damaging it. The MP also questioned the economic viability of allowing companies to place infrastructure on private land without oversight.
Government Response
Julia LopezIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Christopher. I thank the hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton for securing this debate on the impact of 5G connectivity on communities in Greater Manchester. There are significant issues in pockets of the country, particularly with specific operators causing challenges in areas like Hull. The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 aims to make it easier to share existing infrastructure, cracking open telecoms monopolies and allowing new companies to provide services more effectively. Currently, 81% of UK premises have access to gigabit-capable broadband, compared to just 6% in 2019. The legislation ensures vital infrastructure can be deployed quickly while communities retain their say through best practice guidance and enforcement actions by Ofcom or local planning authorities when regulations are not adhered to. Steps include meeting Melanie Dawes, the chief executive of Ofcom, on Monday to discuss swift resolution to challenges raised, holding a roundtable for concerned colleagues on 25 March, working closely with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to support local planning authorities, and writing this week to operators and their representative bodies to ensure they are aware how seriously we take these issues. I am committed to listening to concerns and open to slightly tougher steps if necessary.