Development of mobile phones and related communications networks has expanded rapidly in recent years. Successive Governments have taken the view that modern telecommunications are essential and beneficial to modern life and play a significant part in continued economic well being of the country. Recent expansion of the network has resulted in an increase at the rate of which new equipment, particularly mobile phone masts, are provided and the development of the system has and will continue to have an impact on the appearance of the environment both in town and the countryside.
The following document summarises the background to that development and explains the planning procedures to be followed where new equipment is to be provided with specific reference to mobile phone base stations. It outlines those matters that all Local Planning Authorities are required to take into account when considering proposals for new equipment. It also provides a summary of the planning guidance issued by government:
More detailed information can be found in the official government guidance on telecommunications on the Department for Communities and Local Government website, Planning Policy Guidance 8: Telecommunications.
The Mobile Operators Association provides information about mobile phone systems, including some fact sheets for the general public.