Commenting on the placing of a mobile phone mast in Perry Road, Staple Tye councillor Lorna Spenceley says:

"Harlow Council currently has no powers to block mast applications for masts below 15 metres in height, and only limited powers for masts above 15 metres. The council is not allowed by law to refuse an application on health grounds, and any refusal to grant permission is usually overturned when phone operators go to appeal.

Since the last Conservative government did a deal with the phone companies to cut planning controls for masts, it's easier to get planning permission for a mast than it is for a porch. This can't be right, and is something the present government really should be addressing."