Tamworth B.C.
TAMWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL (LOCAL PLAN)
Telecommunications Development
(Supplementary Planning Guidance)
INTRODUCTION
It is recognised that modern telecommunications are an essential element of modern life both locally and nationally and are vital for economic success. They can play a crucial role in helping to attract business to an area, and benefit the environment by reducing the need to travel.
Due to the vital input telecommunications have to modern life, there is considerable pressure for more telecommunications developments. Therefore, Tamworth Borough Council must reconcile the provision of such developments, plus the aim of securing the best possible service and widest possible choice, with the protection of the environment and the amenity of those living or working near to telecommunications installations.
BACKGROUND
In response to the growth in telecommunications development the Government has recently instigated two initiatives. The first has been a consultation process relating to the procedural arrangements used to control Telecommunications Development and in tandem with this the publication of draft revised planning guidance on telecommunications.
The draft planning guidance makes it clear that Local Plans should set out policies and proposals for the location of telecommunications development. It also stresses the need for mast and site sharing where possible, the issues relating to siting and design which can legitimately be considered and the impact of telecommunication development on Listed Buildings and Scheduled Monuments. The potential for radio interference from proposed development and telecommunication aspects in other developments is raised. New to the guidance note is a section relating to health considerations and the need to adopt a precautionary approach.
The following local policy has been drafted taking into account this recent government advice.
POLICY EMP12
Policy EMP 12 of the draft Plan recognises the importance of additional telecommunications apparatus but seeks to minimise their impact.
Policy EMP 12
Planning applications and notifications for masts and other telecommunications apparatus should demonstrate that adverse impact on the built or natural environment is minimised.
To limit the visual impact of masts and other apparatus, operators must show that they have sought to:
Maximise the use of existing and proposed tall buildings
Share masts and sites
Develop innovative design solutions
Provide additional structured screen landscaping.
The following paragraphs give further details to this policy.
SITING
Planning permission and notifications will not normally be granted for the erection of telecommunication masts and associated equipment within environmentally sensitive areas. Environmentally sensitive areas shall include conservation areas, listed buildings (including adjacent areas), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Green Belt or other major open space area as identified on the Proposals Map.
Planning permission and notifications will not normally be granted for the erection of telecommunications development within 100 metres of a residential property.
The erection of free-standing telecommunication masts shall be permitted if the operator has demonstrated the need for the facility and has shown that there is no opportunity to site the development on another structure.
The Operator shall demonstrate that the feasibility of mast sharing has been explored prior to proposing new sites.
The use of school premises or grounds for the establishment of telecommunications base stations shall not be acceptable
DESIGN
The scale of the development shall be restricted to the minimum requirements necessary to operate and shall take advantage of technological advances to minimise the visual impact of the structure.
Landscaping features, either existing or proposed, shall be used to reduce the visual impact of free-standing masts and equipment housing.
Telecommunications development shall be painted, in appropriate colours, to reduce the visual impact when necessary.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
All applications and notifications should be accompanied by a declaration that the equipment and installation is designed to be in full compliance with appropriate ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection) guidelines on public exposure.