Comment

Representation ID: 1366

Received: 08/07/2008

we would suggest that within the LDF there should be a concise & flexible telecommunications policy contained within one of the Council's statutory Local Development Document. We recognise that this likely to be contained in a Development Control/Management DPD rather than the Core Strategy which is of a strategic nature. Such a policy should give all stakeholders a clear indication of the issues which development will be assessed against. We suggest a policy which reads: Proposals for telecommunications development will be permitted provided that the following criteria are met -
siting & appearance of proposed apparatus & associated structures should seek to minimise impact on the visual amenity, character of appearance of the surrounding area;
if on a building, apparatus & associated structures should be sited & designed in order to seek to minimise impact to the external appearance of the host building;
if proposing a new mast, it should be demonstrated that the applicant has explored the possibility of erecting apparatus on existing buildings, masts or other structures. Such evidence should accompany any application made to the local planning authority;
if proposing development in a sensitive area, the development should not have an unacceptable effect on areas of ecological interst, areas of landscape importance, archaeological sites, conservation areas or buildings of architectural or historic interest.
When consideriing applications for telecommunications development, the local planning authority will have regard to the operational requirements of telecommunications networks & technical limitations of the technology.