English Planning Policy

Policy Planning Guidance Note 8 (PPG8 - Telecommunications), was revised in August 2001 replacing PPG8 of December 1992.

It 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 main changes to PPG8 are:

• to update guidance to take account of developments in telecommunications technology and the growth of the telecommunications industry
• to update guidance to take account of changes to the permitted development rights that apply to telecommunications code system operators
• to provide advice about taking account of health considerations in making planning decisions about telecommunications development

The latest PPG8 consists of two parts. The first sets out planning policy and the second consists of an appendix with two annexes which provide guidance on the policy, the prior approval procedure under part 24 of the GPDO and technical developments within the telecommunications industry. There should be no distinction between the first and second part of this PPG as both should be given equal weight when being considered.

PPG8 concludes:

'It is the Government's firm view that the planning system is not the place for determining health safeguards. It remains central Government's responsibility to decide what measures are necessary to protect public health. In the Government's view, if a proposed mobile phone base station meets the ICNIRP guidelines for public exposure it should not be necessary for a LPA, in processing an application for planning permission or prior approval, to consider further the health aspects and concerns about them.'' (Paragraph 30)

''The Government's acceptance of the precautionary approach recommended by the Stewart Group's report 'mobile phones and health' is limited to the specific recommendations in the Groups' report and the Government's response to them. The report does not provide any basis for precautionary actions beyond those already proposed. In the Government's view, local planning authorities should not implement their own precautionary policies e.g. by way of imposing a ban or moratorium on new telecommunications development or insisting on minimum distances between new telecommunications development and existing development.'' (Paragraph 31)

Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phones Network Development

A Code of Best Practice has been produced jointly by representatives of central and local government and the mobile phone industry. It builds on operators' Ten Commitments and on the revised planning arrangements introduced in August 2001, which increased the consultation period for applications for mobile phone masts.

The code replaces the version first produced in 1996. It provides clear and practical advice to ensure the delivery of significantly better and more effective communication and consultation between operators, local authorities and local people. Standardised practice will promote greater consistency of approach and aid the transparency of the process for all concerned.

Industry's press release on the Code

The Code of Practice is available at www.planning.odpm.gov.uk/telecomms/index.htm