Kevin Haestler of Portslade is concerned for the health of his children if a 12.5m mast and base station is erected outside his house, and asks why the planning system cannot refuse such applications on health grounds (Letters, May 31).

The reason is the Government has taken away the rights of local authorities to refuse applications on health grounds.

This is despite the Government's own Stuart Report which calls for a precautionary approach to the positioning of masts. Masts of 15 metres and above are presented to the planning committee for a decision and many times such applications are refused.

However, if a telecommunications company appeals against the decision, it is then nearly always granted by the appeal inspector. Again, this is because councils are not permitted to refuse the application on health grounds.

development rights".

The Government speaks of giving "a voice to the people" and then deliberately presses the mute button so they do not have a voice. Perhaps I should also mention the Government sold licences to telecommunications companies for the magnificent sum of £23 billion.

Could this be the reason powers have been removed from local authorities ?

-Councillor Lynda Hyde, Conservative Member Rottingdean Coastal Ward Brighton and Hove City Council