Planning town and country

Telecommunications

Operators are required to provide 28 days notification to the Local Planning Authority of the intention to install telecommunication equipment, unless an application is submitted for prior approval or planning permission.

Under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 and Amendments planning permission is not required for minor development, such as small antenna systems and television aerials. However, the Local Authority can withdraw this right under Article 4 of the Order if there may be a serious impact on amenity.

An operator may be required to apply for a prior approval of the siting and appearance of development. The Local Planning Authority will make a decision within 56 days.

If prior approval is not required development can occur once the operator receives the written notice and after the 56 day period.
If prior approval is required the Local Planning Authority will notify the operator with a written notice.
If prior approval is refused the Local Planning Authority will provide a written notice with reasons for refusal to the operator. The applicant can appeal to the Secretary of State within six months of the decision date.

An operator may be required to apply for planning permission.

Click here to link to the Ombusman's Special Report on Telecommunications Masts: problems with 'prior approval' applications.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Planning Policy Guidance 8 on telecommunications provides further guidance. It also encourages Local Planning Authorities to provide a register of masts and other such structures.

Register of Decided Telecommunications Applications Updated January 2007 ( 391 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

Key of Telecommunication Application Decision Codes and Meanings as shown on the register ( 29 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

Roll Out Maps

Every Autumn, the five commercial mobile telephone operators provide the Local Planning Authority (LPA) with information showing the areas within the Borough where they have a need to site further telecommunications equipment within the coming year.

This information is made available in order that communities and elected Members can be involved with discussions regarding siting and design of equipment with operators prior to the submission of applications to the LPA.

It should be noted that proposed sites often indicate areas of search for new sites, and not specific locations, and therefore the precise sitting of equipment can be influenced at an early stage in the site identification process.

For further details regarding each search area, the operators concerned should be contacted directly, and their details are provided on the roll out plans.

Telecommunications Roll Out Plans 2006 to 2007 ( 63 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

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