HC Deb 18 May 2000 vol 350 c249W
Mr. Hurst

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many planning applications in England and Wales to install telecommunications masts of more than 15 metres in height were(a) granted and (b) refused in 1999. [122232]

Ms Beverley Hughes

The Government do not collect this information.

Mr. Green

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to enforce the sharing of mobile phone base station sites; and if he will make a statement. [122461]

Ms Beverley Hughes

The Government's policy is firmly to encourage mast and site sharing where that is appropriate. Conditions attached to the use of powers granted to individual mobile operators by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, and incorporated in their operating licences, include a requirement to investigate mast sharing before seeking to put up any new mast.

DETR Circular 4/99, "Planning for Telecommunications" 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. An 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.

Mr. Green

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the planning regulations for mobile phone masts; and if he will make a statement. [122474]

Ms Beverley Hughes

In their response to the report of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, issued on 11 May 2000, the Government said that they were minded to introduce a requirement for full planning permission for all new telecommunications masts, but would need to consult widely before doing so, including on the purpose and precise scope of any new arrangements. We shall issue a consultation paper on this and related guidance as soon as practicable.