Cheltenham Council Challenged Over Tree Works Approved to Clear “ICNRIP” Zone
Planning Reference 26/00738/CACN
The EM Radiation Research Trust has written to Cheltenham Borough Council seeking clarification over the approval of tree works involving mature trees located near an existing telecommunications mast.
A new planning acronym: “ICNRIP”
One aspect of this application immediately caught our attention.
The planning application, planning portal summary, and Decision Notice all refer to an occupational “ICNRIP” zone rather than an occupational ICNIRP zone.
This is a new one and certainly not one that will be forgotten anytime soon.
For readers unfamiliar with the term, ICNIRP stands for the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, whose guidelines are routinely cited in relation to telecommunications infrastructure.
Whether the repeated use of “ICNRIP” is simply a typographical error or indicative of a lack of scrutiny in the processing of the application is a matter for Cheltenham Borough Council to explain.
Perhaps it is a sign of things to come: ICNRIP – RIP ICNIRP.
It appears that ICNIRP has, at least within Cheltenham’s planning documentation, been rendered “RIP”.
The irony was not lost on us.
The Radiation Research Trust looks forward to the day when ICNIRP guidelines themselves are formally replaced by more protective standards that reflect the growing body of scientific evidence on biological effects and long-term health impacts associated with radiofrequency radiation exposure.
According to the planning application…
The works were undertaken in advance of a proposed mast upgrade and to clear what is described in official documents as an occupational “ICNRIP” zone.
The same term appears repeatedly in the planning application, planning portal summary, and Decision Notice.
📷 Planning Application “ICNRIP zone”
📷 Head of Planning letter “ICNRIP”
Ref: Cheltenham Borough Council Planning Application 26/00738/CACN – Height reduction to trees to clear occupational “ICNRIP” zone:
https://publicaccess.cheltenham.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=TELQ31ELKL400
The Radiation Research Trust has raised questions as to whether this reflects a typographical error or a lack of scrutiny in the processing of the application.
Key concerns raised in the RRT letter
The RRT’s correspondence highlights a number of concerns, including:
- ◆ Lack of any submitted planning application for the proposed mast upgrade.
- ◆ Absence of technical evidence supporting the claimed exclusion zone.
- ◆ No explanation of the dimensions, basis, or necessity of the zone.
- ◆ Approval of tree works within seven days.
- ◆ Lack of publicly available arboricultural, ecological, or environmental assessments.
- ◆ Unclear consideration of impacts on nearby residential properties.
- ◆ Absence of evidence that alternative options were considered.
The RRT also questions whether any assessment has been made in relation to the proximity of residential properties and the asserted occupational zone referenced in the application.
Residents and proximity to the asserted exclusion zone
The existence of an occupational ICNIRP zone raises questions regarding nearby residents.
If the Council considered this zone sufficiently significant to justify the reduction of mature trees within a Conservation Area, the RRT asks what consideration was given to people living close to, overlooking, or adjacent to that area.
No explanation is provided in the public record regarding the zone’s dimensions, how it was determined, or its proximity to residential properties.
Governance, risk and insurance considerations
The RRT also seeks clarification on whether the matters raised in the application have been considered within the Council’s governance and risk management framework.
This includes whether:
- ◆ The issue is reflected in the Corporate Risk Register.
- ◆ Risk identification and mitigation processes were applied.
- ◆ Responsibility for decision-making has been formally allocated.
- ◆ Any insurance or indemnity implications have been assessed in relation to telecommunications infrastructure near residential properties and Conservation Area assets.
Full RRT letter
The full letter sent to Cheltenham Borough Council is available to download below.
Concerns regarding reliance on consultancy and industry-prepared reports
The RRT letter also draws attention to broader concerns regarding the use of consultancy or industry-prepared reports within local authority planning processes where such material is presented as independent technical evidence.
These issues are discussed further in the RRT report:
👉 RRT Challenges Colchester Council Over Misleading 5G Report: https://radiationresearch.org/rrt-challenges-colchester-council-over-misleading-5g-report/
About this investigation
This correspondence forms part of the Radiation Research Trust’s ongoing work examining the planning, regulatory, and public health considerations surrounding telecommunications infrastructure and associated local authority decision-making.
Further updates will be published if and when a response is received.
