Telecommunications infrastructure

IN5: Telecommunications infrastructure Incorporating telecommunications infrastructure in new development 1. All new housing and commercial developments should be designed to include underground ducting for cabling for telecommunications networks, to ensure efficient connections to existing networks and provide sites for telecommunications masts where additional mobile network capacity is required to service the development. If this is not feasible, developers must provide evidence and justification. Visual Impact 2. Above-ground telecommunications infrastructure should be designed to minimise visual impact. It should not negatively affect the character or appearance of the area. For equipment on buildings, the impact on the building itself should also be minimized. Alternative Sites 3. Developers must consider alternative sites, including mast sharing and using other buildings or structures that have less visual impact. Technical evidence must be provided to demonstrate that no other more suitable sites are available. Sensitive Areas 4. In areas such as the Green Belt, designated areas of National Landscape, other areas of landscape importance, areas of ecological interest, conservation areas, listed buildings or other designated heritage assets including within their settings, developers must demonstrate that the benefits of high masts and large structures outweigh any harm. All reasonable alternatives to avoid or mitigate impacts should be considered. Replacement Equipment 5. If redevelopment displaces existing telecommunications equipment, the new development must include replacement equipment to ensure that network capacity and coverage are maintained. Removal of Equipment 6. Mechanisms, such as conditions or planning obligations, must ensure the removal of equipment when it is no longer required. 7.388 Telecommunications is the general term for the transfer of information over varying distances using technologies such as telephone, television, radio, mobile phones and the internet. High quality communications infrastructure includes the recent advances in broadband and wireless technologies. 7.389 Improved access to high-speed broadband and new communications technologies across Buckinghamshire will be encouraged and facilitated. The importance of delivering superfast broadband to rural areas is recognised. 7.390 The council expects high quality communications infrastructure to be incorporated into the design of all new housing and commercial development, ensuring the futureproofing of telecommunications, enabling them to be easily provided and/or upgraded in the future. 7.391 The council will therefore expect developers to explore the option of providing on-site infrastructure, including ducting for broadband and new masts to improve the capacity of mobile networks in any new residential, employment or commercial development, for efficient connection to existing networks. If such measures cannot be delivered, the developer will need to submit evidence to justify the reasons why this is the case. 7.392 High quality telecommunications are important for economic growth – attracting new businesses and allowing existing businesses to remain competitive. Telecommunications also have social benefits – increasing social inclusion through better access to internet-based services. Full fibre broadband can also encourage homeworking. Focus on developing networks in urban areas has however led to rural areas being relatively disadvantaged. 7.393 The importance of delivering superfast broadband to rural areas is recognised, and development should facilitate where possible the growth of new and existing telecommunications systems to ensure people and rural businesses have a choice of providers and services. 7.394 At the same time any adverse impact on the character of the locality and the environment should be minimised. Nevertheless, the Government has given permitted development rights to some telecommunications development, and they cannot be addressed by policies in this Plan. Applications for prior approval for new telecommunication masts will be expected to demonstrate that all other alternative sites have been considered, and that development has been designed to minimise its impact on the character, appearance and visual amenities of the surrounding area. 7.395 The NPPF requires planning policies to set out how high-quality digital infrastructure is expected to be delivered. 7.396 Planning for new development should be co-ordinated with the telecommunications infrastructure it requires with consideration for the capacity of existing infrastructure. Delivery of infrastructure will be dependent upon maximising the contribution from the development process, whilst recognising that a contribution from both the public and private sector will be necessary. This includes the Government’s role in providing the necessary investment to achieve sustainable growth, including appropriate revenue support to those agencies required to manage or serve such development. 7.397 In determining all applications for telecommunications installations, the council is required to consider its decisions in the light of site-specific issues, such as siting, design, effect on the street scene and highway safety. The council is also required to make its decisions in accordance with nationally established policy. National planning policy provides guidance on planning for telecommunications development - including radio masts, towers and antennas of all kinds. 7.398 In undertaking installations, the telecommunications operators must comply with the requirements of Part 16 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 as amended by subsequent legislation (GDPO), which gives deemed planning permission subject to exclusions and conditions.