Local and National Planning Policy

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

1. on an existing building, mast or other structure; or
2. 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

Hampshire County Structure Plan (Review) 1996-2011

The structure plan contains Policy TC1, which refers to the entirety of Hampshire.

Telecommunications development will be permitted provided all possible steps have been taken to minimise the environmental effects of the proposal.

Where there would be a conflict with environmental objectives, it will need to be demonstrated that:

(i)                 there is no reasonable possibility of sharing existing facilities;

(ii)               there are no satisfactory alternative sites available;

(iii)             in the case of radio antennas and masts, there is no reasonable possibility of erecting an antenna on an existing building or other structure.

The need to safeguard areas of particular environmental sensitivity will, in some circumstances, outweigh the benefits of permitting telecommunications development.

This is the national planning guidance governing all decisions made by Local Planning Authorities in relation to telecommunications development. It is available to view on the DCLG website

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.