Published on:
09
March 2004
Following a decision on 20th February, 2004, the Council is seeking the views of the general public on proposals to allow the use of Council land and buildings for siting mobile telephone base stations.
The proposal is to change the previous policy, adopted in 1999, which does not allow the use of Council land or build within 100 metres of houses for the siting of such equipment, to a more flexible approach which would enable the Council to consider such siting if more suitable sites were not available.
Stephen Bell, Head of Development Services said: "In view of the significant increase in the use of mobile phones, the greater need for base stations, changes in technology, changes in legislation and changes in Government policy and advice, a review of the Council's policy with regard to its own property is now called for.
"The objective of national and local planning policy is to accommodate the infrastructure related to this economically vital industry but in a way that does least environmental harm. Finding locations and designs that minimise the visual and environmental impact is the clear objective of policy.
"In view of this, it is important that no location should be excluded from consideration. Current Council policy, does not allow for full consideration of potentially optimum sites and does not comply with the clear guidance issued by the Scottish Executive.
"It is considered that, with the extensive controls now available to the Council and the need to ensure that all potential suitable sites can be considered for base stations, it would now be appropriate to adopt a more flexible approach to the potential use of the Council's own property".
The full Council report is available to view on the Council's web site at www.clacksweb.org.uk.
The Council would welcome comments in writing by 22nd March, 2004 (send to Head of Development Services at Lime Tree House, Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EX).