Telecommunications Development
Frequently asked questions about Telecommunications Development
What are telecommunications developments?
Usually these are masts or antennae erected by mobile or cell phone operators.
They include large towers, (similar to small electricity pylons), monopoles,
(often located at the side of the road and similar to tall street lights) and
smaller antennae often attached to existing buildings or structures. They are
developed primarily by the current mobile phone operators.
Do all telecommunications developments require permission from the
Local Planning Authority?
The Government strongly supports telecommunications development and encourages
Local Authorities to help find suitable sites and types of development to enable
the network to be developed. Some developments (most roof mounted antennae or
antennae attached to existing masts) do not require any permission from the Local
Authority, though it is good practice for the operators to notify the Council
where they intend to install such equipment. New masts up to 15 metres in height
generally do not require full planning permission though the operators must apply
for ‘prior approval’ to the Council, where the Council can consider
only the siting and appearance of the equipment and must do so within 56 days.
All other installations (above 15 metres and larger masts on existing structures)
will require full planning permission.
How can I find out about any proposals for mobile phone masts near
to me?
Telecommunications operators (generally the mobile phone companies of which
you may be aware) need to apply for planning permission or ‘prior approval’ (different
type of application to the Council) for certain kinds of telecommunications development
and in such cases the Local Planning Authority would publicise the application
by the use of site notices close to the proposed development. The Local Authority
will also receive details from each operator of their proposals for development
in the following year each autumn (known as ‘rollout’ plans).
What are the main issues in deciding on an application for this type
of development?
The Council must take into account policies in the Unitary Development Plan
and National Guidance contained within Planning Policy Guidance Note 8: Telecommunications.
National and local policy suggests that the Government is committed to providing
mobile phone networks but that their impact on the local amenity must be limited.
As such operators are encouraged where possible to share existing masts with
other operators so that new masts are less necessary.
How do I comment on applications for mobile phone masts?
Where permission is required from the Council an application will be submitted.
As with every application, the Council will undertake consultation with local
residents and Ward Councillors and publicise proposals through site notices which
appear on lampposts and on certain occasions within the local press. Comments
to the Council on such applications should be made within 21 days and can include
the following issues:
- Impact on visual amenity and the character of the area;
- Any impact on the character of a Conservation Area or a Listed Building;
- The impact the proposal may have on sensitive environments including Green
Belt locations.
- The cumulative impact upon the environment of antennae sharing a mast, of
masts sharing a site, or of masts within a locality.
- The potential for site sharing or for locating antennae on existing buildings
or structures.
Can I object to a mobile phone mast because of concerns over health
impact?
The Government is clear in its approach to this matter, and continues to stress
that the planning system is not the place for determining or implementing health
safeguards. The Government does require however that applications for such installations
should be accompanied with a certificate to show that the installation would
comply with the guidelines set out by the International Commission for Non-Ionising
Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Should this Certificate be provided then national
policy indicates that it should not be necessary for Local Planning Authorities
to consider health matters further.
Can I find out where existing telecommunications masts or antennae
are near to my home or work?
The website  www.sitefinder.radio.gov.uk provided by OFCOM (Office of Communications)
allows you to search by postcode or area for existing masts/antennae in any given
area in the UK. It will also give information including size and the company
for each site.
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