What options there are for people opposed to the erection of mobile telephone masts when such masts have received planning permission from …

Planning authorities have powers to withdraw planning permission. However, where they themselves have only recently granted the permission, they are unlikely to believe they have grounds for removing it. Residents with continuing concerns may approach the operator to request that the mast be relocated or, where there are grounds to suggest that there were irregularities in the decision to grant permission, it would also be open for them to seek a judicial review.At present no mechanism is available for third parties to appeal to the Scottish ministers against a decision on a planning application. However, on 28 March 2003 the Executive launched the white paper Your Place Your Plan containing measures for strengthening and enhancing public involvement in the planning system. In the paper, we announced an intention to issue a consultation paper on the subject of third party rights of appeal against planning decisions. This commitment to consult has been reiterated in our Partnership Agreement. An announcement about the consultation will be made shortly.