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New arrangements for mobile phone masts
20/07/2001
New strict regulations for mobile phone masts come into force on Monday which will mean all ground-based masts will require planning permission.
The range of apparatus that can be installed on buildings without operators having to apply for planning permission will also be greatly restricted.
The regulations are not retrospective but they will apply to all new developments begun after midnight on Sunday.
Deputy Transport and Planning Minister Lewis Macdonald today announced that an order has been laid before the Scottish Parliament detailing the transitional arrangements which will apply. This action has been taken to ensure consistency across Scotland.
The Order states that developments which have already started under current permitted development rights will have to be completed within two weeks. Where work on the ground has not already begun, the new regulations apply immediately.
Mr Macdonald said:
"These transitional arrangements will ensure that the current uncertainty in communities about mobile phone masts already under construction is quickly brought to an end.
"Mobile phone operators have pledged to consult fully on future development and these arrangements will ensure that only those which can be completed within 14 days will continue to come under the existing permitted development arrangements.
"I wanted to address concerns which have been expressed about the possibility of an operator beginning a mast under permitted development rights today and coming back to finish it in a year's time. This way everyone will know where they stand.
"The new planning controls will give more say to planning authorities and the public and ensure that masts can not simply spring up around the country with no thought for the surrounding countryside or communities."
The Executive has also just published guidance for planning authorities and operators about the new planning controls. National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 19 sets out the Executive's planning policy in relation to radio telecommunications developments.
Mr Macdonald said:
"The Executive recognises that if Scotland is to reap the benefits of mobile phones then it is inevitable that we will need to have networks of radio base stations, including masts.
"These guidelines set out how more environmentally sensitive solutions can be achieved to ensure that the telecommunications industry can expand in Scotland in a way which minimises environmental impact.
"They also set out the precautionary approach being adopted across the UK in response to the Stewart Report "Mobile Phones and Health".
"The NPPG recognises that there can be public concern about mobile phone base stations. However, by paying careful and sensitive attention to the key issues of siting and design we expect operators to be able to help allay public concerns."
BACKGROUND
- Details of the new regulations for mobile phone masts can be found on the Scottish Executive website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/news/2001/06/se1534.asp
- The existing permitted development rights do not require operators to apply for planning permission for the majority of installations..
- NPPGs provide statements of Scottish Executive policy on nationally important land use and other planning matters.
- NPPG 19: Radio Telecommunications was the subject of widespread consultation and a summary of the responses will be published shortly. The NPPG can be viewed at www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/planning/nppg/nppg19.00.asp
- The NPPG makes it clear that the control of radio wave emissions is not a planning matter. It is the responsibility of the Department of Trade and Industry who have statutory powers to control outputs and ultimately to switch off transmitters.
- With each new planning application operators will be required to declare that the power to be transmitted is within international guidelines.
- "Mobile Phones and Health", published in May 2000, was a report from the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, chaired by Sir William Stewart.
News Release: SE1735/2001
20 Jul 2001