Agenda item

Note – the status of Neighbourhood Plans in the District may be found via this link

https://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/my-services/planning-and-building/neighbourhood-planning/

The Committee heard from the Planning Manager with the following update, regarding changes to Permitted Development that affected communication devices coming into effect on 4^th April 2022.

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2022

The instrument amended the limitations, restrictions and conditions which apply when Code Operators install, replace or alter electronic communications infrastructure through permitted development rights. This was to come into effect Monday 4^th April 2022.

Class A of Part 16 of Schedule 2 (Communications) of the General Permitted Development Order:

“It is essential that the planning system continues to effectively support the deployment of new mobile network infrastructure. The changes will provide Code Operators with flexibility to upgrade existing sites in England for 5G delivery, enhance coverage and meet growing demands for network capacity. They will also reduce the time, cost and uncertainty involved in upgrading mobile network infrastructure and encourage the use of existing infrastructure and promote site sharing to reduce the impacts of new deployment.”

The Officer informed Members of the Committee of the changes that would occur to specific measurements. These were highlighted to the Members of the Committee.

Radio Equipment Housing – this was permitted up to 2.5m³, with prior approval was now required if greater than 2.5m³.

Widening existing masts

Alteration or replacement of existing narrow masts: Where the original width of the existing mast is less than one metre, a width increase of up to two-thirds was now permitted without prior approval; and 

Alteration or replacement of other masts: Where the original width of the existing mast is one metre or greater in width, a width increase of up to one half or two metres (whichever is greater) is permitted without prior approval.

Increasing height of existing masts

On article 2(3) land – up to 20m as before – but now required ‘prior approval’ between 20-25m tall.

All other land – now up to 25m (currently 20m) – now required prior approval if between 25-30m tall.

New (ground based) masts

On article 2(3) land – permitted up to 25m (previously 20m) high, subject to prior approval

All other land – permitted up to 30m (previously 25m) high, subject to prior approval.

ICNIRP Certificates would still be required (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection).

The Officer then informed Members of the Committee of the progress with Neighbourhood Plans. The Sturton by Stow and Stow joint Neighbourhood Plan had undertaken its examination successfully, with a referendum scheduled for 26 May 2022. The Officer highlighted that the Harpswell and Hemswell joint Neighbourhood Plan was in a Regulation 16 consultation process.