National Planning Policy in England

National planning policy is issued by the relevant Government Department responsible for town and country planning. That is now the Department for Communities and Local Government. The national planning policy that sets the context for the consideration of all telecommunications proposals in England is presently contained in Planning Policy Guidance note 8 (PPG 8) which was issued in its current form in August 2001 by the former department, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Planning Policy Guidance 8 - Communities and Local Government website

PPG8 gives guidance on planning for telecommunications development - including radio masts and towers, antennas of all kinds, radio equipment housing, public call boxes, cabinets, poles and overhead wires.

The advice provides guidance stressing the need to take account of developments in telecommunications technology and the growth of the telecommunications industry. It reflects the changes to the permitted development rights that apply to Communications Code system operators and also provides advice about taking account of health considerations in making planning decisions about telecommunications development.

It should be noted that the Government's policy is to facilitate the growth of new and existing telecommunications systems whilst keeping the environmental impact to a minimum. The aim of telecommunications policy is to ensure that people have a choice as to who provides their telecommunications service, a wider range of services from which to choose and equitable access to the latest technologies as they become available. The Government reiterates that it has responsibility for protecting public health.