§ Ms Glenda JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will issue interim planning guidance to local authorities with regard to mobile telephone masts. [147881]
§ Ms Beverley HughesMy hon. Friend the Minister for Housing, Planning and Construction wrote to all Council Leaders in England, copied to all Chief Planning Officers, on 29 June 2000. His letter set out what we were doing to take forward the land-use planning recommendations in the Stewart report and indicated that in advance of any possible changes to the planning regime local planning 129W authorities should treat applications for mobile phone development on the basis of the current legislative arrangements and policy guidance. A similar letter was sent to all hon. Members for constituencies in England on the same day.
On 31 July 2000, we issued a consultation paper to seek views on possible changes to the planning arrangements for telecommunications development. In particular, the consultation paper sought views on how to improve public consultation in the planning process. The consultation paper included a draft revised planning policy guidance note (PPG8—Telecommunications). The consultation period ended on 31 October. The Department is currently analysing the responses. We shall announce our conclusions as soon as practicable.
§ Ms Glenda JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research he has assessed on the environmental impact of mobile telephone masts. [147973]
§ Ms Beverley HughesThe Department has not assessed any research on the environmental impact of mobile phone masts.