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Masts and telecommunications equipment do not always need planning permission from us. Mobile phone masts generally fall into two categories, those which require full planning permission, and those which require 'prior approval'.
Prior approval
The prior approval procedure applies to:
- the alteration or replacement of a mast up to and including 25 metres in height above ground level, unless on highway land where the maximum height is 20 metres
- a public call box
- radio equipment housing with a volume of 2.5 cubic metre
Where a mast fits into one of the above categories, a mobile phone operator will submit a notification for 'prior approval'. We then have 56 days to let them know whether we permit or refuse the approval, but we may only consider the appropriateness of the location and appearance of any antenna or supporting apparatus, radio equipment housing or development ancillary to radio equipment housing constructed and the siting and appearance of a mast which has been altered or replace of the mast. We cannot object to the principle of a mast.
Full planning permission
Other development, for example a mast greater than 25 metres in height (greater than 20 metres on highway land) will need a full planning application. In considering applications the council will take a balanced approach including:
- the benefit that mobile communications provide to the economy
- health factors although they will not be the main consideration where the proposal meets ICNIRP guidelines
- the visual and environmental effect of any proposal on the surrounding area
- Form to be used
- Fee
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£578
- What to include with your application
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- correct application form or, if you choose to apply via letter, please include all information detailed on the application form
- correct fee
- scaled plans, clearly identifying the site location and showing the proposed development