16 TELECOMMUNICATIONS

National Context

16.1 National Policy sets out the Governments policy on high speed broadband and telecommunications which include radio masts and towers, antennae of all kinds, radio equipment housing, public call boxes, cabinets, poles and overhead wires. It recognises the development of high speed broadband technology and other communications networks also play a vital role in enhancing the provision of local community facilities and services.

Local Context

16.2 The Council recognises that the implementation and maintenance of effective telecommunications networks such as telephone and radio masts within the District are essential to the development of the local economy and for the benefit of the local community.

16.3 The aim is to ensure that telecommunications equipment is kept to a minimum through encouraging the sharing of equipment where this is technically possible. The impact of telecommunications can be minimised through careful design, colouring and landscaping to minimise visual intrusion which can help to protect the character and appearance of an area.

16.4 This policy applies to planning applications or prior notification applications for the installation of satellite dishes, microwave antennae, radio masts and other types of telecommunications apparatus. When considering applications the Council shall have regard to the legal requirements placed upon telecommunications operators to provide an adequate service and any technical and operational obligations that it is required to undertake.

DM14 Telecommunications

a) Proposals for the installation of telecommunications equipment should:

Have no significant adverse effect on the external appearance of the building on which, or space in which, they are located
Preserve or enhance the special character and appearance of all heritage assets
Fully explore the possibility of sharing facilities, such as masts, cabinet boxes and satellite dishes, and erecting antennae on existing buildings or other structures
Fully explore technologies to miniaturise and camouflage any telecommunications apparatus
Not impede free and safe flow of highway users
Be appropriately designed, coloured and landscaped to take account of their setting; and
Have no significant adverse impact on the visual amenities of neighbouring occupiers.

*Policy Links*
National Policy (others may also be relevant)	National Planning Policy Framework
Related Core Strategy Policies	CP1: Overarching Policy on Sustainable Development CP6: Employment and Economic Development CP12: Design of Development
Core Strategy Strategic Objective	S6

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