The key national and local planning policies which relate to Telecommunications Development are found in the National Planning Policy Framework and in the Winchester District Local Plan Part 2 where policy DM22 states:-

Radio and telecommunications development and utilities and service development which accords with the Development Plan will be permitted (where planning permission or ‘prior approval’ is required), provided that:

i. existing buildings, structures, apparatus and/or sites are shared where technically possible and where such sharing would minimise visual harm;

ii. the impact of the apparatus and any associated development is minimised by appropriate routing, siting, materials and colour, particularly where development would affect heritage assets or sites of ecological importance;

iii. where viable, all cables and pipelines are placed underground, having regard to any archaeological or ecological constraints;

iv. associated development, such as access routes and peripheral development such as cabinet housings, fencing, lighting and signage is kept to a minimum and suitably designed;

v. where appropriate, a satisfactory landscaping/restoration scheme is included, including provision for management;

vi. the development will operate within International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines for exposure to health risks.

In relation to telecommunications installations, there are three types of application/notification.

Licence notifications

These are for minor telecommunications developments including the adding of antennae to existing rooftop installations or changing equipment on existing sites. For these licence notifications, the operators do have to give the council 28 days notice of their intention to install such equipment, and allow comment. However, the council has no control over this type of development and the short time scales do not allow for public involvement.

Applications for notification of prior approval

These notifications have to be determined within 56 days of receipt. If the council does not respond within this time period, the operator has the right to install the apparatus. When dealing with these notifications, the council can consider the siting and appearance of the installation but not the principle of the development or any other related issues as this has already been agreed by national legislation. For these prior approval notifications, the council will display a site notice for a period of 21 days and notification with neighbours is carried out. The ward councillors for the area are also notified. These types of development include new rooftop installations and masts under 15m in height.

Given the strict timeframe to determine these types of applications the Council is unable to refer decision making to the planning committee. The Council operates a scheme of delegation to officers which gives the Development Manager the authorisation to make determinations as to whether prior approval is required under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. Therefore, regardless of the number of objections that may be made to this notification, the application will not be taken to the Planning Committee for determination.

Please note that the Council will take all comments into account that relate to the material planning considerations of siting and appearance when making an assessment on the application

Applications for full planning permission

These applications are dealt with in the same way as other planning applications and all material considerations can be considered. These are generally for masts over 15m in height and larger installations such as large ancillary equipment cabinets. Siting of equipment within conservation areas or on listed buildings will also require planning permission or listed building consent.

Central Government has also published a code of best practice on mobile phone network development.