§ Angela SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what scope local planning authorities have to consider the proposed siting and appearance of mobile telephone masts. [104085]
§ Mr. RaynsfordGovernment planning policy for telecommunications is set out in Planning Policy Guidance note 8 (revised): Telecommunications, and the Department's Circular 4/99 "Planning for Telecommunications". These underline the importance of close consultation between operators and local planning authorities before an application is made to an authority to install a telecommunications mast.
The installation of any telecommunications mast in protected areas, such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and conservation areas, and of masts above 15 metres in height elsewhere, is subject to a planning application for determination by the local planning authority. In the case of masts up to 15 metres in height, local planning authorities are able to consider the siting and appearance of such development by licensed telecommunications code system operators in accordance with the "prior approval procedure" under Part 24 of Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended).
Under the prior approval procedure for ground-based masts, a local planning authority has the opportunity to say whether it wishes to approve, within 42 days, details of the siting and appearance of the installation. Following recent amendments to the Order, the procedure includes a requirement that the operator should erect a site notice to publicise the development proposed, in order to provide the public with a clear opportunity to comment to the local planning authority on the siting and appearance of the proposed mast. If an authority considers that the development will pose a serious threat to amenity, it is 520W able to refuse approval, although authorities are advised to explore the scope for modifying its siting and/or appearance before doing so.
The Government's policy is to encourage mast and site sharing, where that is appropriate. Circular 4/99 makes clear our expectation that developers should provide evidence to local planning authorities that they have carefully considered the use of existing masts, buildings and other structures before seeking to erect any new mast, regardless of size. The authority may be justified in refusing prior approval or planning permission if it considers the evidence regarding the consideration of such alternative sites is not satisfactory.
The Government are aware of public concern about mobile phone systems and health and have set up an independent expert group to advise on possible risk to health. The group, chaired by Sir William Stewart FRS FRSE, is currently holding open meetings around the UK to take views.
The Government have consulted on a draft circular on land-use planning and electromagnetic fields and will finalise it as soon as practicable.