Telecommunications
Scottish Government Planning Legislation and Guidance The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)
(Scotland) Amendment Order 2001 No. 266 introduced a requirement for planning permission for a range of telecommunications developments (including all ground masts), and changed permitted development rights of operators'. These legislative changes came into effect on the 23rd July 2001.
At this time the following two documents were also published:-
- National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG)19 'Radio
Telecommunications' - Scottish Government's strategic planning policy for the development of radio telecommunications. - A Scottish Government Development Department Circular 5/2001:
Development by Telecommunications Code System Operators.
These documents were followed in September 2001 by Planning Advice Note (PAN) 62 'Radio Telecommunications', which provides advice on good practice in the siting and design of telecommunications infrastructure.
NPPG 19 indicates that the role for the Planning System is to ensure that whilst the needs of the industry are respected and networks are allowed to expand and diversify, individual developments are accommodated sensitively and with least detriment to the environment and built heritage of the area. The main focus will be on achieving developments that are better sited and designed within rural and urban areas. Stirling Council's current Planning Policy on Telecommunications Local Plan Alteration 1A: Policy ED26 looks to reflect this national guidance.
Further links to relevant web sites:-
other sites of interest:
- Ofcom Sitefinder.
- Health Protection Agency.
- Independent Expert Group on mobile phones (the Stewart Report).
- International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection.
- Mobile Operators Association.
Stirling Council contact for Telecommunications Planning issues:
Claire Milne, Planning Officer, Environment Services, Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET.
Tel: (01786) 442522, e-mail: Claire Milne.
