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Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Answer

Mr. Damian Green: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to provide protectors under planning procedures for (a) special landscape areas and (b) areas of outstanding natural beauty with regard to the erectors of new mobile phone masts; and if he will make a statement. [203019] Keith Hill: Current planning guidance on electronic communications is set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 8 (revised) (PPG8). The general policy is to facilitate the growth of electronic communications systems while protecting the environment. This includes national policies for the protection of the countryside and residential areas, in particular our National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The installation of any communications mast in such areas, is subject to a full planning application. Any such application will be decided by the local planning authority (or the Secretary of State, my right. hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on appeal) in the light of development plan policies and any other material considerations, including any relevant representations either for or against the proposal.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

203019; 428 c460W

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Aerials National landscapes Environment protection Planning permission Mobile phones Environmentally sensitive areas

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk