Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 April 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 April 2002. It was answered by Sally Keeble (Labour) on Thursday, 18 April 2002 on behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, if he will take steps to ensure mobile telephone masts should receive positive planning permission, regardless of their height.

Answer: Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will take steps to ensure mobile telephone masts should receive positive planning permission, regardless of their height. [50030] Ms Keeble: On 22 August last year we introduced changes that significantly improved the planning procedures and guidance for telecommunications mast development. The changes, which included, amendments to the 1995 Order: strengthened public consultation requirements on mast proposals of 15 metres and below so that they are the same as for planning applications; increased the time for an authority to deal with prior approval applications to 56 days; underlined that school governors must be consulted on all proposals for new masts on or near a school or college; and increased fees to enable authorities to carry out full public consultation. We have no plans to amend further the planning arrangements for telecommunications development.

Secondary information