The Government encourages Local Planning Authorities to publish a register of existing telecommunications installations within their area so that both the public and the operators are aware of the current range of sites where equipment has been installed.
Every autumn, the five commercial mobile telephone operators provide the Local Planning Authority (LPA) with information to show the areas within the Borough where they have a need to site further telecommunications equipment within the coming year. This information is made available in order that communities and their elected members can be involved with discussions regarding siting and design of equipment with operators prior to the submission of applications to the LPA. It should be noted that the information provided by the operators indicate areas of search for new sites, and not specific locations, and thus offer the opportunity for influencing the precise siting of equipment at an early stage in the site identification process. This information is available as a spreadsheet of each operators list of sites.
The five operators existing, approved and proposed sites for 2012-2013 are available below (please see how to access PDF files):
Site status definitions used in the above tables:
Key national policy background that relates to Telecommunications Development was published in Planning Policy Guidance 8 (PPG8): "Telecommunications" (adopted August 2001, now archived). This document set the national planning guidance governing all decisions made by Local Planning Authorities in relation to telecommunications development.
PPG8 contains specific advice on health considerations as set below:-
In relation to telecommunications installations, there are three types of application/notification.
These are for minor telecommunications developments including the adding of antennae to existing rooftop installations or changing equipment on existing sites. For these licence notifications, the operators do have to give the LPA 28 days notice of their intention to install such equipment, and allow comment. However, the Authority has no control over this type of development and the short time scales do not allow for public involvement.
These notifications have to be determined within 56 days of receipt. If the LPA does not respond within this time period, the operator has the right to install the apparatus. When dealing with these notifications, the LPA can consider the siting and appearance of the installation but not the principle of the development or any other related issues as this has already been agreed by national legislation. For these prior approval notifications, the LPA will display a site notice for a period of 21 days and notification with neighbours is carried out. The Ward Councillors for the area are also notified.
These types of development include new rooftop installations and masts under 15 m in height.
These applications are dealt with in the same way as other planning applications and all material considerations can be considered. These are generally for masts over 15 m in height and larger installations such as large ancillary equipment cabinets. Siting of equipment within Conservation Areas or on Listed Buildings will also require planning permission or Listed Building consent.
Radio Mast Register of all Applications for Notification of Prior Approval and Applications for Full Planning Permission is available below (please see how to access PDFs):
01375 652652
01375 652359
