§ Mrs. CaltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport which local authorities have challenged Network Rail's assumption that they have permitted development rights to erect their 20 metre high masts on Railtrack land; and whether local authorities have been successful in insisting that planning permission must be sought. [104538]
§ Mr. JamiesonAs a railway undertaker, Network Rail has permitted development rights for the erection of such telecommunication masts on its operational land, required in connection with the movement of traffic by rail. If, however, the local planning authority believes that such development should not take place without specific planning permisison, it is open to the authority to apply to my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister for approval of a Direction under Article 4 of the General Permitted Development Order.
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister advises that it knows of no applications for Directions under Article 4 of the General Permitted Development Order in relation to Network Rail's telecommunications masts.
§ Mrs. CaltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether planning permission is required for the erection of 20 metre high telecom masts on Railtrack and Network Rail land. [104768]
§ Mr. JamiesonAs a railway undertaker, Network Rail has permitted development rights for the erection of such telecommunication masts on its operational land, required in connection with the movement of traffic by rail. If, however, the local planning authority believes that such development should not take place without specific planning permission, it is open to the authority to apply to my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister for approval of a Direction under Article 4 of the General Permitted Development Order.