§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Tony McNulty)Today the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is publishing a consultation document on proposed changes to theGeneral Permitted Planning Order (GPDO) pertaining 5WS to the treatment of satellite dishes and other antennae. The three-month public consultation looking at the siting of satellite dishes and antennae will offer communities five choices, ranging from no change to full deregulation except in particularly sensitive areas such as national parks and conservation areas.
The Government are committed to delivering equality of access to broadband and digital TV across the country and this document is an important step in that direction. However, we must ensure that whatever changes are made provide proper protection for the environment, particularly in sensitive areas such as national parks and conservation areas.
Copies of the consultation document have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.