§ David DavisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which elements of the Stewart report(a) have been and (b) will be implemented by his Department. [57590]
§ Mr. ByersOn 22 August last year, taking into account the recommendations in the Stewart report published in May 2000 and following our public consultation, we introduced changes that significantly improved the planning procedures and guidance for telecommunications mast development. Our changes
strengthened public consultation requirements on mast proposals of 15 metres and below so that they are the same as for planning applicationsincreased the time for an authority to deal with prior approval applications to 56 daysunderlined that school governors must be consulted on all proposals for new masts on or near a school or college: andincreased fees to enable authorities to carry out full public consultation.We have no plans to amend further the planning arrangements for telecommunications development.
§ David DavisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many appeals he has received from mobile phone companies to erect transmission masts in the last 12 months; and how many appeals were upheld. [57589]