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Date: 12 August 2025

The recent announcement of plans to install a new wireless mast in a residential area of Sutton (Chad News, 2025) has raised serious concerns among public health advocates. While improved connectivity is important, it must not come at the expense of public safety. The potential health risks associated with wireless radiation require careful consideration before relaxing planning regulations.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s words have been cited in these plans. The applicants, Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Ltd, have pointed to a statement by the PM, which underlines the government’s masterplan for economic growth.

Sir Keir says projects for new housing, schools, and hospitals “need to be supported by good infrastructure,” which has, in the past, often faced difficulties in securing planning approval. These are precisely the areas that the EM Radiation Research Trust is urging protection for, especially from potential health risks linked to wireless mast installations.

He also said:
“The time it takes to secure planning permission for major infrastructure projects has almost doubled in the past decade. Every road, pylon and mast, which connect people with opportunity, must jump through endless hoops, only to be opposed and dragged out before eventually, if lucky, they are approved.”

The EM Radiation Research Trust (RRT) is calling on communities across the UK to raise their voices and urge Prime Minister Starmer to reconsider the fast-tracking of wireless mast installations, particularly in residential areas, schools, and hospitals. Recent proposals, such as the planned mast in Sutton, have reignited concerns about potential health risks associated with radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF).

According to current scientific research, including landmark animal studies funded by the World Health Organisation, there is growing evidence of cancer risks from wireless radiation. Separately, recent court rulings have emphasised the necessity for authorities to consider risks related to active medical implants when approving wireless infrastructure. The RRT warns that current relaxed planning regulations fall short of adequately protecting public health in light of these scientific and legal developments, and insists that comprehensive, independent health and environmental impact assessments must be conducted before any further approvals. Public engagement and pressure on political leaders are vital to ensure safety and transparency in the rollout of wireless infrastructure.

Rebuttal:

The EM Radiation Research Trust urges caution based on the latest scientific and legal findings. We are particularly concerned for vulnerable groups, including people with active medical implants such as pacemakers, electrosensitive individuals (EHS), cancer patients and survivors, children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.

Recent scientific reviews, including a landmark 2025 World Health Organisation (WHO)-funded study, provide high-certainty evidence that RF-EMF exposure increases the incidence of cancer in laboratory animals (World Health Organization, 2025). This adds to a growing body of research linking wireless radiation to biological effects and potential health harms, challenging earlier industry claims of safety.

Moreover, court rulings have emphasised the need for authorities to consider risks related to active medical implants (Steven Thomas v. Cheltenham Borough Council).

Given these findings, we believe it would be prudent to avoid proceeding with relaxed planning rules that could allow the installation of wireless masts without comprehensive health impact assessments and adequate protections for vulnerable populations.

Call to Action:

We urge local councils, planning authorities, and government officials to:

  • ◆ Pause any relaxation of planning regulations that would expedite the deployment of wireless infrastructure until full assessments are completed.
  • ◆ Require thorough, independent health and environmental impact assessments based on the latest scientific evidence before granting any approvals.
  • ◆ Prioritise the safety of vulnerable groups, especially those with medical implants, electrosensitive individuals, cancer patients and survivors, children, the elderly, and people with compromised health.
  • ◆ Engage openly with communities and experts to ensure transparency and precaution in all decisions regarding wireless infrastructure.

Communities have the right to live free from avoidable harm. We encourage residents, health professionals, and advocacy groups to raise their voices and submit objections, demanding policies that protect public health in line with the latest science.

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