(a)  To consider the following question submitted by Tanya Rebel to the Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Climate and  Biodiversity

“How does the 5G rollout, which has a considerable Carbon and Ecological Footprint, square with the NDDC Climate and Ecological Emergency Declaration and what measures are being taken to protect Humans (in particular the Electro Hypersensitive) as well as Wildlife from harm caused by Electrosmog? Biological harm from non-ionising Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has been verified in tens of thousands of peer-reviewed studies. 

NB: The average consumption of a 5G monopole is similar to that of approximately 74 domestic houses.”

(b)  To consider the following question submitted by Glynis Walker to the Leader of the Council

“Why were the 5G Masts rolled out at Sainsburys and NDDH without informed Consent, which is necessary in UN Law. Stop ruling by Government Narrative and listen to us. I was at a well attended meeting of the North Devon Residents Association on Wednesday, all those present voted against 5G

Lloyds of London will not cover any EMF Damages.  Former President of Microsoft Canada Frank Clegg says there are no safety studies regarding Health Implications and not a single study stating that 5G is safe.

I need a copy of the Independent Strategic Health & Environmental Impact Assessment from you.”

(a)  To consider the following question submitted by Tanya Rebel to the Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Climate and Biodiversity

The Chair invited Tanya Rebel to present her question to Council.

Tanya Rebel put her question to Council.

Councillor Clayton, Leader of the Council provided a response to the question and advised that any development, of whatever nature, that produces carbon or has an adverse impact on carbon reduction will have an impact on the Council’s aim of becoming a carbon neutral area.  The Council has no responsibility for 5G infrastructure strategy or roll out. The UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy is the responsibility of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).  The Council’s only responsibility for communication and emerging technology infrastructure is to assess prior approvals and planning applications for new or upgraded installations (e.g. masts or antennae). To assess these the Council follows the UK Government legislation and guidance: The Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development Order 2015 (section 16) and the national planning policy framework (NPPF) on communications infrastructure. Officers dealing with such applications can only make recommendations based on agreed national and local policy.  In relation to safety issues, a developer is required to submit a statement that confirms that a proposed mobile mast will adhere to exposure limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.  Details of any application submitted to the council, together with accompanying documentation, can be found on the Council’s website.

Tanya Rebel asked a supplementary question.  Have you asked for people’s written informed consent right enshrined by law to be exposed to ubiquitous 24/7 radiation, electromagnetic radiation, according to Ikneof, that's allowed and what specific measures have you put into place to protect the electro hypersensitive from exposure inside and outside their homes in accordance with the 2010 Equality Act 2010, UK inclusion policy and duty of care, people and wildlife according your declaration of emergency etc should come before project should come before best interests?

In response to the supplementary question, Councillor Clayton, Leader of the Council advised that the Council were following the guidelines, as is every Authority across the country. To say they are outdated, these are robust guidelines and are specific.  He recalled when mobile phones were introduced and the scare stories and when railways were introduce. There was always going to be some dangers, but we have to have specific guidelines and these were probably the most robust in the world. The Council didn’t have authority to go against the guidelines and had to follow national legislation.

(b)  To consider the following question by Glynis Walker to the Leader of the Council

The Chair invited Glynis Walker to present her question to Council.

Glynis Walker put her question to Council.

Councillor Clayton, Leader of the Council provided a response to the question and advised that the Council has no responsibility for 5G infrastructure strategy or roll out. The UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy is the responsibility of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).  The Council’s only responsibility for communication and emerging technology infrastructure is to assess prior approvals and planning applications for new or upgraded installations (e.g. masts or antennae). To assess these the Council follows the UK Government legislation and guidance: The Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development Order 2015 (section 16) and the national planning policy framework (NPPF) on communications infrastructure. Officers dealing with such applications can only make recommendations based on agreed national and local policy.  In relation to safety issues, a developer is required to submit a statement that confirms that a proposed mobile mast will adhere to exposure limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.  Details of any application submitted to the council, together with accompanying documentation, can be found on the council’s website.  The Council had no say over the masts rolled out at Sainsburys, North Devon District Hospital and Petroc, as these had already been approved.

Glynis Walker asked a supplementary question as to whether the North Devon Residents Association would be able to put forward 3 to 4 people to through the information further with unbiased Councillors, as the Council represented the people and had a duty of care.

In response to the supplementary question, Councillor Clayton, Leader of the Council advised that all Councillors were open minded.  He suggested that the North Devon Residents Association invited some Councillors to attend their next meeting to listen to their concerns.  The papers referred to by Glynis Walker could then be provided to those Councillors that attended the meeting.