HC Deb 12 March 1997 vol 292 cc222-3W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to extend the period within which applications for antennae for mobile telephone transmission are considered; and if he will make a statement. [19840]

Sir Paul Beresford

Outside the national parks and other protected areas, the erection of masts of up to 15 m high by licensed telecommunications operators is permitted by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, subject to the operator applying for the local planning authority's determination as to whether its prior approval to the siting and appearance of the proposed development will be required. We are not currently considering any change to the 28-day period within which the authority should notify the operator of its determination and either give or refuse approval.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will review planning guidance in respect of applications for sites and antennae required for mobile telephone use; and if he will make a statement. [19838]

Sir Paul Beresford

Planning policy guidance note 8—revised December 1992—sets out policy guidance on planning for telecommunications development, including radio masts and towers and antennas required for mobile telephone systems. We have no immediate plans to amend planning policy guidance note 8 but have supplemented the guidance with a code of best practice on planning procedures for telecommunications masts, published in March 1996.