The government encourages councils to publish a register of existing telecommunications installations within their area so that both the public and the operators are aware of the current range of sites where equipment has been installed.
Every autumn, the five commercial mobile telephone operators provide the council with information to show the areas within the district where they have a need to site further telecommunications equipment within the coming year. This information is made available in order that communities and their elected representatives can be involved with discussions regarding siting and design of equipment with operators prior to the submission of applications.
It should be noted that the information provided by the operators indicate areas of search for new sites, and not specific locations, and so offer the opportunity for influencing the precise siting of equipment at an early stage in the site identification process.
Download the operators existing, approved and proposed sites.
Site status definitions used in the above tables:
- Planning Permission Granted: A planned site that has received planning approval.
- Site Built: Construction is complete and the site may or may not be taking call traffic.
- Proposed: A planned site that has not received planning approval.
It is stressed that the grid references given in the spreadsheet are the centre points of proposed areas of search and not precise sites subject of specific applications at this stage. For further details regarding each search area, the operators concerned should be contacted directly, and their details are provided at the bottom of the page.
Planning policy
The key national and local planning policies which relate to Telecommunications Development are found in the National Planning Policy Framework and in the Warwick District Local Plan 1996 – 2011 where policy SC9 states:-
Development of new masts and antennae by telecommunications and code systems operators will be permitted provided:-
- it has been demonstrated that mast or site sharing is not feasible and that the apparatus cannot be sited on an existing building or other appropriate structure where this represents the preferable environmental solution;
- it has been demonstrated that alternative, less environmentally harmful means of providing the same service is not feasible;
- every effort has been made to minimise the visual impact of the proposal;
- proposals adhere to current Government advice on the health effects of exposure to radio waves; and
- consideration has been given to the future demands of network development, including that of other operators.
Types of applications
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.
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.
Mobile operators contact details
3
William Comery, Community Affairs Manager.
Email: william.comery@ericsson.com Website: Three website
Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Ltd (CTIL)
Brian Truman, National Planning Manager.
Email: brian.truman@ctil.co.uk Website: CTIL website
Everything Everywhere (EE)
Alex Jackman, Community Affairs Manager.
Email: public.affairs@ee.co.uk Website: EE website