Mobile mast policy - West Dorset

Each year the district council receives mobile phone operators' anticipated roll out programme for proposed development in its area. On the right is each operators' schedule. By clicking on these links you will be able to see if they are planning to erect a mast near you.

Copies are also available for viewing in the district council's main offices at Stratton House, Dorchester, plus area offices in Mountfield, Bridport and the Manor House, Sherborne.

The district council is not provided with the roll-out programme for tetra masts – the system which allows the blue light services to talk to each other in an emergency.

Our policy

The district council's planning policy covers telecommunications development and is set out in the West Dorset District Local Plan, which was adopted by the council in July 2006 following public consultation. The following text is taken from the adopted local plan.

Chapter 10 - Infrastructure - Policy IN 7 (Telecommunications Development) states that:

Telecommunication development will only be permitted where:

i) Applicants have demonstrated that they have explored the possibility of sharing masts and using existing buildings, structures and sites

ii) The visual impact of the equipment (including associated buildings and infrastructure) is minimised by siting, design and, where appropriate, by adequate and appropriate landscape treatment and screening

iii) The operational and technical considerations of the proposal outweigh any conflict with the other landscape and conservation policies in the Local Plan

iv) The proposal will not have a significant adverse impact on the amenities of surrounding areas

v) Applicants have demonstrated that emissions from the proposed development will not exceed Government recommended guidelines

vi) For sites within the AONB, applicants will be required to demonstrate that no suitable alternative locations are available

Telecommunications are becoming increasingly important both in business and domestic lives. They can attract businesses to an area and help firms remain competitive. They can also benefit the environment through reducing the need to travel and hence reducing vehicle emissions and traffic congestion.

Planning Policy Guidance Note 8 (PPG8) states that local planning authorities should respond positively to telecommunications development proposals, especially where the proposed location is constrained by technical considerations, while taking account of the advice on the protection of urban and rural areas, in particular Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Heritage Coast and buildings of architectural or historic importance.

There is also provision in the emerging revised local plan for telecommunications development with policy IN7 (Chapter 10 p172) which states:

Telecommunication development will only be permitted where:

i) Applicants have demonstrated that they have explored the possibility of sharing masts and using existing buildings, structures and sites

ii) The visual impact of the equipment (including associated buildings and infrastructure) is minimised by siting, design and, where appropriate, by adequate and appropriate tree planting

iii) The proposal will not adversely affect the natural beauty of the AONB or Heritage Coast and the operational and technical considerations of the proposal outweigh any conflict with the other landscape and conservation policies in the Local Plan

iv) The proposal will not have a significant adverse impact on the amenities of surrounding areas

v) Applicants have demonstrated that emissions from the proposed development will not exceed Government recommended guidelines

West Dorset District Council recognises and takes into consideration public concern with regard to telecom mast base stations and the potential health risk they pose when determining planning applications. However, in doing so the council is obliged to take into account Government advice on this issue.

Government policy

The Government's Planning Policy Guidance Note 8 (telecommunications) includes the following advice with regard to the health effects of telecommunications development:

"Para 89. In respect of base stations, the [Stewart] report concludes that "the balance of evidence indicates that there is no general risk to the health of people living near to base stations on the basis that exposures are expected to be small fractions of the guidelines. However, there can be indirect adverse effects on their well-being in some cases". They also say that the possibility of harm cannot be ruled out with confidence and that the gaps in knowledge are sufficient to justify a precautionary approach.

Para 97. Health considerations and public concern can in principle be material considerations in determining applications for planning permission and prior approval. Whether such matters are material in a particular case is ultimately a matter for the courts. It is for the decision-maker (usually the local planning authority) to determine what weight to attach to such considerations in any particular case.

Para 98. However, it is the Government's firm view that the planning system is not the place for determining health safeguards. It remains Central Government's responsibility to decide what measures are necessary to protect public health. In the Government's view, if a proposed mobile phone base station meets the ICNIRP guidelines for public exposure it should not be necessary for a local planning authority, in processing an application for planning permission or prior approval, to consider further the health aspects and concerns about them.'

Stewart Report

The Stewart Report (opens in a new window) , of May 2000, discloses the findings of the NRPB (National Radiological Protection Board) with regards to the health impact telecom masts pose to the general public. It surmises that, on balance of the evidence, the levels of radiation generated by telecom masts are well within recommended guidelines.

International Commission on the Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)

The  ICNIRP (opens in a new window) is a body of scientific experts who study and investigate the possible adverse effects of telecom emission on the public health.

West Dorset District Council has written to the Government about national planning policy and public concern about the possible health effects of telecommunications development. To read the reply of 9 February 2007 from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), please click on the link on the right of this page under 'downloads'.

• West Dorset District Council Customer Services
  Name: West Dorset District Council
  Email: custservices@westdorset-dc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 251010
  Fax: 01305 251481
  Full details for West Dorset District Council