Tobias Ellwood spoke to over a hundred outraged residents in Moordown on Friday at a public meeting was called to discuss a 3G mobile phone mast which was put up without warning on top of a local pub.

Residents gathered at the United Reform Church asking why permission for a 3G mobile communications mast, erected at the Holly Tree Public House on Wimbourne Road, was granted without any public consultation.

Bournemouth Borough Council admitted to Mr Ellwood there have been many complaints about the mast but that under the Town and Country Planning Order 1995, the mast is deemed "permitted development" and can be erected without the formal consent of the Council. Hutchison 3G, who erected the mast, liaised with the Council in March 2004 and obtained confirmation that their proposal was allowed. The Council have since told Mr Ellwood that "there is no requirement for the Council to consult with local residents."

Mr Ellwood said:

"The mast has been disguised as a large flag pole and it was only after inquiries were made to the builders that residents become aware that a mobile phone mast was hidden inside.

"Whilst the majority of us use mobile phones, there are still outstanding concerns about the health risks associated with the siting of mobile phone masts. These problems were highlighted in the Government commissioned Stuart Report, in 2000. What should not happen is that masts are appearing by 'stealth' on people's doorsteps. I urge the Council to listen to the concerns of local residents and re-consider the siting of this mast so close to a number of local schools."

Mr Ellwood has asked Bournemouth Borough Council to introduce a local policy which would ensure that residents are informed of any plans submitted to the Council by mobile phone companies, regardless of whether full planning permission is needed or not.

Mr Ellwood added:

"Members of the public should be able to comment on where these masts are positioned. Other local councils have adopted a policy which means local people get a say and I don't see why people in Bournemouth shouldn't have their voice heard."

Mr Ellwood has requested a meeting with Hutchinson 3G UK to ask why they chose an area so close to schools to mount their mast. He will also be speaking to Greene King, owners of the Public House to try and persuade them that it is not in the interests of the community to place a mobile phone mast here.