Written Question · S1W-00620 · Session 1
What proposals it intends to bring forward to revise planning procedures and guidance issued to local authorities relating to the siting an…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it intends to bring forward to revise planning procedures and guidance issued to local authorities relating to the siting and erection of telecommunication masts.
The answer
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.
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-00620 by reference.