§ Lord Wiseasked Her Majesty's Government:
What recommendations they have made to local authorities regarding the siting of mobile phone communication pylons within designated green belt areas. [HL2256]
103WA
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Whitty)The Government's general policy on telecommunications development is to facilitate the growth of a national telecommunications network whilst protecting the environment, including designated areas such as the green belts. The Government has issued planning policy guidance on both telecommunications development and development in green belts. This should be taken into account by local planning authorities in formulating their development plan policies and proposals and in reaching decisions on individual developments.
It is important that the environmental impact of telecommunications development is minimised wherever it occurs. Operators are encouraged to consult local planning authorities before making any application to erect a mobile phone mast to facilitate consideration of its siting and appearance.