The PPG8 (Telecommunications) Panel
The Government’s policy framework for telecommunications development is set out within Planning Policy Guidance Note 8 (PPG8). This sets out the Government’s policy to facilitate the growth of new and existing telecommunications systems, whilst minimising the environmental impact of any installation.
In November 2001, the Council’s Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee set up the Planning Policy Guidance Note 8 (Telecommunications) Panel to look specifically at PPG8 and related issues and the development of Council Policy thereon.
The Panel decided that an ‘Inquiry’ would be an effective means of gathering information and listening to all sides of the debate and this was held on 10 October 2002.
Introduction to the Inquiry
The Inquiry was organised to allow each witness to make a presentation, followed by questions from the Panel of Councillors, other witnesses and the public. The Inquiry was structured in order to enable the Panel to decide:
- how the Council should implement PPG8
what the Council’s planning policies should seek to achieve, particularly bearing in mind:
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the number of masts required
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the siting of masts
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the size of masts
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the health implications of telecommunications equipment (perceived and actual) and the extent to which this is affected by the number of masts, their siting and size.
- how the Council should inform and educate the public, and mange the process of public consultation and involvement.