As Brighton is set to become one of the first 5G hubs in the country, increasing concerns have been raised considering the health risks of the technology.
Following these concerns, the council has answered a number of questions about whether the technology is safe or not and whether the council plans to block or delay the introduction of this technology.
Economic importance
The council states that it has a vital role to play in encouraging economic development in the city and digital connectivity is a key part of this. It’s particularly important as our local economy has such a strong specialism in the creative, digital and IT sectors.
For this reason, the council is keen to promote the most up-to-date and effective mobile and wireless technology for work premises in the city, in homes and on mobile phones.
Health risks
Public Health England (PHE) takes the lead nationally and provides expert advice on public health matters associated with mobile phone technology. The council has liased with the PHE to get the latest information and guidance and to see their advice on whether there are any health risks for the public.
The PHE said that the current exposure of the general public to radio waves is well within the international health-related guideline levels that are used in the UK.
They said that when 5G is added to an existing network or in a new area the overall exposure to radio waves is expected to remain low relative to these guidelines.
As such there should be no consequences for public health.Â
Third parties
The council states that UK network operators implementing 5G are committed to complying with the current guidelines.
Further, the ability of councils to influence the roll-out of mobile technology is limited by central government regulations.
But the planning system does require that any new installations are consistent with the international guidelines PHE adheres to.
Legalities
The council’s website states:
“We’re aware that Glastonbury Town Council has approved a motion that opposes the roll-out of 5G in their area until further information is produced by a local 5G advisory committee.
“However, Glastonbury Town Council does not actually determine such planning applications – whereas we do. So their position is not the same as ours.
“Given the legal rules we have to work within as a planning authority, we are unable to adopt a similar approach to Glastonbury and our decisions would be open to challenge if we took such matters into account.
“So we are not proposing to adopt this approach.”
For these reasons, it seems that the council will not be blocking or delaying the introduction of 5G technology in our city.
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Featured image: © Pixabay
