BOLTON MPs Brian Iddon and David Crausby are backing moves in Parliament to tighten laws on the siting of mobile phone masts.
On Friday, New Forest MP Desmond Swayne will table a Private Members Bill calling for laws to stop the masts being erected without first gaining full planning permission.
On private land, planning permission is only needed for masts higher than 15 metres. Phone companies only need to give 42 days' notice to a local authority if a mast is lower than this.
Thousands of new masts are due to be put up around the country over the next few years as mobile phone networks expand. Dr Iddon and Mr Crausby say the siting of masts is a regular source of complaints from constituents worried about their appearance or health issues.
They, too, would like planning authorities to have a greater say in the placing of masts. "This issue really upsets people," said Mr Crausby. "I don't see why mobile phone masts shouldn't need full planning permission.
Despite more than 90 MPs backing the bill, it is unlikely to become law due to lack of government support.
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