I had this sent to me. it makes interesting reading
Sandi
Subject: masts in the west
See this link.
http://www.southwest-ra.gov.uk/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=1305
Local authorities in the South West complaining, in
effect, that planning laws are unfairly weighted in favour of mast companies.
An end to ‘mob’ rule on new masts?
South West LGA survey highlights difficulties
faced by Local Planning Authorities on mobile phone mast applications
A survey of Local Planning Authorities in the South West of England has
highlighted widespread concern with existing government policy, legislation and
advice on dealing with applications for mobile phone masts.
The SWLGA survey revealed that many Local Authority planning officers
felt the current framework for decision making did not meet the public’s
expectations for consultation, and that the system was unfairly balanced in
favour of mobile phone companies wishing to put up masts.
One of the most significant findings was around the issue of deemed
consent, where under certain conditions, mobile phone masts can be erected when
a mobile phone company claims non-receipt of planning refusal letters within a
56 day time limit. Out of the 13 Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) surveyed, 4
had sent letters of refusal within 56 days, which the phone company claimed not
to receive, with masts being erected as a result. This is in contrast to the
rest of the planning system, where applicants have to receive written proof
that development has been approved.
The survey also highlighted several other areas of concern, including
the need for:
the cumulative effect of installations to be considered more (both in terms of
visual impact and emissions); more resources for keeping telecom registers
up-to-date, which can aid LPAs in requesting mast shares; more stringent tests
for phone companies to demonstrate proposals are the only appropriate technical
solution; full planning permission to simplify the process for officers and the
public; an update to Planning Policy Guidance 8 and a rewrite of Part 24 of the
General Permitted Development Orders; an update and strengthening of the Code
of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development; and an independent
regulator and adjudication body with information and research for the public to
use.
SWLGA sent a letter to Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, Minister for Planning at
the Department for Communities and Local Government, highlighting the
widespread concern and setting out the survey findings in full.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
DCLG is currently considering:
“what improvements will help create a system that better meets the
public’s expectations for consultation”.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1002882&PressNoticeID=2088.
DCLG is also currently undertaking research on the future development of
the mobile phone network and a review of the planning arrangements for mobile
phone masts http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1002882&PressNoticeID=1857
It is hoped that SWLGA’s letter forms an important contribution to this
process.
For press enquires please contact:
Drew Aspinwall, Principal Communications Officer, SW Regional Secretariat
on 01823 425265 / 07841 214687 / drew.aspinwall@southwest-ra.gov.uk