Telecommunications
More than two thirds of the UK own a mobile phone. This is supported by a network of transmitters and receivers that requires the installation of base stations around the country. Because of their size, location or design these base stations and their masts can have a significant visual impact on the area, there are also general concerns frequently raised by the community about possible health related issues.
National Advice
National advice on the planning considerations for masts etc. is given in Planning Policy Guidance Note 8 - Telecommunications. In addition the Government produced a Code of Best practice on Mobile Phone Network Development in 2002 that sets standards for operators to follow.
Advice from Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council provides advice for considering the siting and design of base stations, masts and equipment in Chapter 8 of the Birmingham Plan 2005 (page 21). A Supplementary Planning Guidance Note on the Location of Telecommunication Equipment (mobile phone Infrastructure) is also available, as is a summary of that guidance.
A register of the different types of telecommunications applications is available online and at our offices at Lancaster Circus.