Parliament Workbench
Data: Motions & questions to 19 Nov 2026

Written Question · S1W-00227 · Session 1

Whether it intends to bring within the planning control of local authorities the erection of telecommunication masts not exceeding 15 metre…

Answered Asked by Annabel Goldie Con Lodged 24 Jun 1999

The question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to bring within the planning control of local authorities the erection of telecommunication masts not exceeding 15 metres in height.

The answer

Answered by Sarah Boyack on 25 Nov 1999 · 154 days after it was lodged, 140 days after it was due

The erection of telecommunications masts require planning permission except where they qualify for permitted development rights under Class 67 of the Town and Country Planning) (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992.In December 1998, the then Scottish Office Planning Minister, Calum MacDonald MP, announced a number of measures on telecommunications, which included increasing the degree of control over telecommunications development permitted by the aforementioned Order. Those measures included: prior approval procedures for the siting and appearance of telecommunications masts;
increased controls over telecommunications development in Sites of Special Scientific Interest;
clarification that planning permission is required to extend the height of an existing mast beyond 15 metres;
good practice guidance for operators and planning authorities; and
advice on the use of planning agreements to encourage mast sharing.
The Scottish Executive hopes to bring forward legislation implementing these proposals in due course.

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-00227 by reference.