§ Baroness Pitkeathleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What they are doing to honour the commitment made in the UK Online Annual Report 2001 to review the planning regulations for satellite terminals. [HL2459]
§ Lord RookerToday the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is publishing a consultation document on proposed changes to the general permitted planning order (GPDO) pertaining to the treatment of satellite dishes and other antennae. The three-month public consultation looking at the siting of satellite dishes and antennae will offer communities five choices, ranging from no change to full deregulation, except in particularly sensitive areas such as national parks and conservation areas.
The Government are committed to delivering equality of access to broadband and digital TV across the country and this document is an important step in that direction. However, we must ensure that whatever changes are made provide proper protection for the environment, particularly in sensitive areas such as national parks and conservation areas.
Copies of the consultation document have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.