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Policy ENV8: Telecommunications Developments

1. Proposals for new telecommunications masts and associated antennae and buildings will not be permitted unless the applicant has demonstrated that the following criteria would be satisfied:

a) Where the proposal is for a free standing mast, the need for the development could not, for technical reasons, be met in a more environmentally acceptable manner by:

- Sharing an existing mast or site,

- Erecting antennae on an existing building or other structure;

b) The development would not, by reason of its scale, siting or design, have an unacceptable impact on the character or appearance of the surrounding area, or the amenity of nearby residents.

2. New telecommunications development will not be permitted within environmentally sensitive areas, such as Conservation Areas, residential areas or the Green Belt, unless the applicant has demonstrated that there are no other suitable alternative sites outside such areas and that appropriate steps have been taken to minimise any visual impact through careful siting, design and screening.

3. Applications for development by telecommunications code system operators must be accompanied by:

a) Evidence that the proposal would comply with all relevant ICNIRP ¹⁴ Standards (or future guidance which may supersede the current guidelines), taking into account any cumulative emissions from other nearby telecommunications equipment;

b) Evidence of how the proposal fits into the wider network, regionally and nationally.

c) Where the telecommunication development would be on or near a school or college site, evidence that the governing body of the relevant school or college has been consulted.

Explanation ENV8

13.40

The telecommunications industry is constantly evolving, and it is recognised that the planning system has a role in facilitating the improvement and expansion of telecommunications coverage. However, it is important that such development does not compromise environmental quality.

13.41

Telecommunication development includes radio masts and towers, antennae of all kinds, radio equipment housing, public call boxes, cabinets, poles and overhead wires. The Government’s general policy on telecommunication development is to facilitate the growth and efficiency of telecommunication systems, whilst keeping the environmental impact of such development to a minimum (Planning Policy Guidance Note 8: 2001). A significant proportion of new telecommunications development is connected with the roll-out of mobile telephone networks. These networks are subject, in addition to planning controls, to licensing controls exercised by the Office of Communications (OFCOM).

13.42

All large new telecommunications masts (of over 15 metres in height) and some smaller masts require a full planning permission. Many types of smaller development (whilst not requiring a planning permission) require a determination from the Council as to whether prior approval will be required for the siting and appearance of the proposed installation. Policy ENV8 applies both to cases requiring planning permission and to applications for determinations.

13.43

In planning for new telecommunications development, a key requirement for the operators will be to minimise the impact of the network on the visual appearance of the area. Often, it will be appropriate to share an existing mast or construct a mast on an existing building rather than construct a new freestanding mast. Developers will therefore be expected to demonstrate that they have considered mast sharing or the use of an existing building as an option before they can obtain permission for a new mast.

13.44

All applications for a new telecommunication structure (on a mast or an existing building) must demonstrate that the proposal is needed to provide adequate coverage or quality of service to users of the network. Site conditions, technical constraints, landscape features and capacity requirements will affect the options for the design used by an operator.

13.45

The preferred location for telecommunications development, particularly larger equipment, will normally be within industrial and other employment areas, where feasible. Any applications for telecommunication development in environmentally sensitive areas such as Conservation Areas, the setting of Listed Buildings, the Green Belt, areas of attractive landscape, Sites of Biological or Geological interest, or Local Nature Reserves should demonstrate that there are no suitable alternative locations and that the development would be sensitively sited and designed.

13.46

The impact of telecommunications equipment on human health is a major public concernand all proposals for telecommunicationsdevelopment will be required to meet all relevant standards of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Consequently all applications should be accompanied by a statement to the effect that the appliance when operational will meet the guidelines.

13.47

The requirements of policy ENV8 are based on those set down in “A Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development” (ODPM, 2002).

Policy Links
Policy T12	“Aerodrome Safeguarding”
Policy H5	“Development in Primarily Residential Areas”
Policy G1	“Development within the Green Belt”
Policy DQ5	“Development in Conservation Areas”
Policy DQ7	“Listed Buildings”

¹⁴ ICNIRP - International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation. Organisation which provides the guidelines on levels of microwave frequency emissions.