National Planning Policy Framework, Chapter 9: Supporting high quality communications (CO1–2)

National decision-making policies

CO1: Proposals for telecommunications infrastructure

1. In considering proposals for the expansion or upgrading of electronic telecommunications networks, substantial weight should be given to the benefits of maintaining or improving network coverage, capacity, reliability and resilience, including where significant improvements are required such as along rail corridors. This includes, but is not limited to, providing for next generation wireless technologies (such as standalone 5G), gigabit-capable broadband connections and supporting infrastructure such as fibre exchanges. Proposals for such development should:

 a. Use existing masts, buildings and other structures already employed for this purpose, upgrade, or replace existing infrastructure, unless there is no reasonable opportunity to do so (taking into consideration meeting consumer needs, the efficient operation of the network and providing reasonable capacity for future expansion); 

 b. Be sited and designed to minimise the visual impact of the proposals, especially in situations where a new site or structure is proposed, so far as practical taking into account its operational requirements; 

 c. Not result in cumulative exposure to non-ionising radiation exceeding International Commission guidelines^{[footnote 32]} when the development is operational; and 

 d. Not cause significant and irremediable interference with other electrical equipment, air traffic services or instrumentation operated in the national interest. 

2. In assessing proposals for telecommunications infrastructure, local planning authorities should not require minimum distances to be maintained between telecommunications infrastructure and other development, seek to prevent competition between different operators, question the need for the expansion or upgrading of telecommunications networks, or use health safeguarding standards different from the International Commission guidelines on non-ionising radiation​​​ pr​otection.

CO2: Supporting information for telecommunications infrastructure proposals

1. Development proposals for electronic telecommunications infrastructure (including applications for prior approval under the General Permitted Development Order, as amended) should be supported by the following, where relevant:

 a. Information on the outcome of pre-submission consultation with organisations with an interest in the proposed development (in particular with the relevant body where a mast is to be installed near a school or college, or within a statutory safeguarding zone surrounding an aerodrome, technical site or military explosives storage area; 

 b. Where a new site is proposed, evidence that the applicant has sought to keep the number of these to a minimum in accordance with policy CO1(1)(a). This should include evidence that the possibility of erecting any antennas on an existing building, mast or other structure has been explored; and

 c. Evidence demonstrating compliance with policy CO1(1)(c) and (d), including a statement that self-certifies that the cumulative exposure, when operational, will not exceed International Commission guidelines on non-ionising radiation protection. 

Footnotes

32. International Commission guidelines published in: International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines. ↩