John Penrose

Conservative Party | Weston-super-Mare

Network Rail Radio Masts

Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose has raised concerns over the ‘permitted development rights’ of Network Rail radio masts in Parliament with the Government Minister for housing and planning, Yvette Cooper MP.

A number of new radio masts will shortly be installed in the constituency.  They aim to provide a national system of secure train driver to signaller communication.  The masts will be erected on Network Rail land.  Because they have ‘permitted development rights’, Network Rail do not require planning consent from the local authority.

Highlighting his concern about the lack of public consultation or involvement, Mr Penrose has tabled the following question to the Government:

“To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will take steps to change the planning laws so that Network Rail has the same requirements to seek planning permission from local communities when erecting GSM-R communication masts as commercial mobile telephone operators.”

In response, Yvette Cooper confirmed that:

“There are no current plans to change the permitted development rights for railway undertakers to erect communication masts.”

Mr Penrose said:

“I am disappointed that the Minister has effectively walked away from the problem.  I believe Network should have the same requirements to get planning permission for GSM-R phone masts as commercial mobile phone operators.  Whatever the benefits to the rail network, local people should have a right to a challenge.

“I understand why local people are worried. Why should Network Rail be allowed to bypass the planning system? Ordinary mobile phone companies have to get approval before they can build tall phone masts like this. The views of local communities should not be muzzled or ignored.

“I've raised the issue directly with Network Rail chiefs and I'm encouraged by their response. They agreed to listen to planning comments from North Somerset Council. They are also considering a new consultation process for new masts, to make sure that local people's concerns aren't simply ignored in future.

“Of course, words count for very little unless they are backed up by concrete action. I will be pressing Network Rail to ensure they follow up on their commitments and listen to the local communities that they are affecting.”