National Planning Policy Framework (adopted March 2012)
Section 5 of the NPPF sets out planning guidance governing all decisions made by Local Planning Authorities in relation to telecommunications development. It is available to view on the DCLG website.
Code of Best Practice
This is the national planning guidance covering the way in which telecommunications issues should best be dealt with by operators and LPAs, and their interaction. It is available to view on the DCLG website.
The following Development Plans and material considerations are relevant to how a decision is made on telecommunication developments.
Basingstoke
and Deane Borough Local Plan 1996-2011 (adopted July 2006)
The adopted Local Plan contains the following policy regarding telecommunications development.
Policy A4
Proposals for telecommunications development including Prior Approval applications (excluding criterion iv.) will be permitted provided that:
i. they are appropriate in terms of siting and appearance and having regard to technical and operational constraints, do not intrude into or detract from the landscape or urban character of the area: and
ii. applicants demonstrate a sequential approach to show that development cannot be accommodated with less visual intrusion
- on an existing building, mast or other structure; or
- on a site that already contains telecommunications equipment; before new sites can be considered.
iii. adequate camouflage, screening and/or landscape, measures are included; and
iv. provision is made for the removal of the facilities and reinstatement of the site as soon as reasonably practicable after it is no longer required for telecommunication purposes.
v. health consideration in planning applications will be assessed in accordance with Government advice, especially that in PPG8.
This is complemented by the adopted Supplementary Planning Guidance on Telecommunications Development
