 |
|
Community consultationA key part of the operators’ approach to developing their networks is consultation with communities, planning officers and other local stakeholders on their proposed new developments. This pre-application consultation is set out in the operators’ Ten Commitments to Best Siting Practice, which were developed in 2001 to help address concerns relating to the development of base stations and which are now contained in planning guidance throughout the UK. The operators use standard procedures to assess both the appropriate level of pre-application consultation required for a proposed new mobile phone mast and the actual type of consultation that is undertaken. This system enables the operators to take a flexible approach to community consultation to ensure that the level of engagement is appropriate for each community and each development. The level and methods of community consultation will vary in each case, depending on the type, design and location of the proposed new mast. This flexibility enables the operators to ensure the voluntary consultation they undertake (in addition to the statutory consultation undertaken by planning officers) is appropriate in each case. The examples below give a flavour of the ways in which the operators engage with planners, councillors and local communities. Examples of Community ConsultationWinchesterA proposed new base station in Winchester was the cause of some concern for local residents. The operator undertook a great deal of community consultation due to the close proximity of local housing. All the local councillors and the MP were also consulted. The proposal, which was for a base station on the roof of a Grade 1 listed local church, was also subject to interest from the local media. The operator held three meetings with local residents to hear about and address their concerns. Leaflets were also sent to local residents and an open meeting held for people to find out more about the proposal. Through the consultation undertaken on this development, a great deal of trust was developed between the operator, its agent and the local community. The operator was able to explain the need for the new mast and the community was able to influence the final design of the proposal. While some people objected to the proposal, which was submitted following this pre-application consultation, 20 local residents supported the operator with its planning application. The application was approved by the local planning committee.
|
 |
||
Pre-application consultation was undertaken by the operator with the chief planning officer and ward councillors regarding a proposed new streetworks 3G mast. No objections to the proposal were received. In addition, following the submission of the planning application, planning officers undertook statutory community consultation with a number of stakeholders. Concerns regarding the proposal were raised at this stage by local residents and the chair of governors at a local school. The local planning authority refused the prior approval application. Following an appeal to the planning inspectorate, the application was allowed. However, the operator continued to engage with local community groups to address their concerns. A meeting was held with local residents, at which the possibility of relocating the proposed new mast was discussed. When this was explored in more detail, it was agreed that simply changing the location would not address people’s concerns. Following further discussions, a new design was agreed upon, which everyone agreed would further reduce the visual impact of the development. The operator is now in the process of revising the design and is intending to submit a revised application to the LPA. |
|||
|
www.mobilemastinfo.com ©MOA MOA Russell Square House, 10-12 Russell Square, London, WC1B 5EE, United Kingdom T +44 (0)20 7331 2015 F +44 (0)20 7331 2047 E: info@ukmoa.org |
 |