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Contents Page - Issue 28 - Telecommunications Development

1. Schedule 4

2. Representations

Mobile Operators Association (CLDP029)
Philip Lord (CLDP170c)
Muckhart Community Council (CLDP174r)

3. Supporting Documents

CD001 Scottish Planning Policy (February 2010) (Paragraphs 248-
254) [attached]




































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Issue 28 Telecommunications Development
Development Plan
reference:
Paragraphs 6.10 - 6.16 (Page 64)
Policy EP7 - Telecommunications
Development Criteria (Page 65)
Policy EP8 - Telecommunications
Development - Additional
Information (Page 65)
Reporter:
Body or person(s) submitting a representation raising the issue
(including reference number):

Mobile Operators Association (CLDP029)
Philip Lord (CLDP170c)
Muckhart Community Council (CLDP174r)

Provision of the development
plan to which the issue relates:

Planning Authoritys summary of the representation(s):

Mobile Operators Association (CLDP029) support the inclusion of
telecommunications Policy EP7 within the Clackmannanshire Local
Development Plan and recognise that telecommunications play a vital role in
both the economic and social fabric of communities. National policy guidance
acknowledges this through paragraphs 248-254 of Scottish Planning Policy
(SPP) (CD001) which provides clear guidance as to the main issues
surrounding telecommunications development, including siting and design.
Paragraph 251 of SPP confirms that "local development plans or
supplementary planning guidance should give a consistent basis for decisions
on communications infrastructure by setting out matters that will be taken into
account in decision making.".

We would take this opportunity to comment that we consider it important that
there is a telecommunications policy within the emerging Local Development
Plan. While we support the inclusion of Policy EP7 - Telecommunications
Development Criteria, we have concerns about some of the proposed wording
of the policy as follows:

Policy EP7 sets out a list of criteria for the consideration of
telecommunications developments. While it is accepted that the operators
should take great care to minimise visual impact, the provision of advanced,
high quality electronic communications infrastructure may, in some instances,
result in some minor impacts. In these instances it is important that the visual
impact of an installation is balanced against the Government's objective to;
"ensure that everyone can enjoy the same degree of access to high quality
electronic communication opportunities." (paragraph 248 of SPP) (CD001)

As stated in paragraph 250 of SPP (CD001);
"Equipment should be designed and positioned as sensitively as possible,
though technical requirements and constraints may limit the possibilities."

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Philip Lord (CLDP170c) notes that Muckhart has very poor broadband
provision. To achieve the objectives set out in this document of sustainable
communities, promotion of employment opportunities, reduction in commuting
outside the county, and a low carbon economy broadband enhancement
should be prioritised in Muckhart.

Muckhart Community Council (CLDP174r) note that paragraphs 6.10 to
6.16 deal with Telecoms Infrastructure with the policy developed in Policies
EP7-EP8. The improvement of broadband services will be a key factor in
promoting homeworking within the Muckhart area. Paragraph 6.15 (Page 64)
deals with the roll out of Wi-Max. Muckhart Community Council notes that the
roll out of this facility is not dealt with in any detail and as far as we are aware,
this development will not include Muckhart or Dollar. Muckhart was the last
part of Clackmannanshire to benefit from broadband. A more determined
effort is needed to develop broadband services so that commuters in rural
areas can opt for more homeworking.

Modifications sought by those submitting representations:

Mobile Operators Association (CLDP029) request that in order to allow for
the possibility of technical requirements and other constraints, the wording of
the third bullet point of Policy EP7 should be amended as follows:
"In certain circumstances visual impact can be addressed reduced through
various techniques including the concealing and disguising of masts,
antennas, equipment housing and cable runs using design and camouflage
techniques. Where possible, applicants should ensure there is sufficient land
around ground based infrastructure to allow for any appropriate screening or
planting;"

The wording of the sixth bullet point of Policy EP7 should also be amended as
follows:
"the development would not have a significant adverse effect on areas of
ecological interest, special landscape areas, archaeological sites,
conservation areas or listed buildings or their setting or have an unacceptable
adverse effect on the integrity of the Firth of Forth SPA either alone or in
combination with other projects and plans."

Philip Lord (CLDP170c) and Muckhart Community Council (CLDP174r)
both request that the LDP does more to promote the early development of
broadband to the Muckhart area.

Summary of responses (including reasons) by Planning Authority:

The Mobile Operators Association's (CLDP029) proposed modifications
allow for a degree of flexibility to take into account technical and operational
requirements when considering the siting of telecommunications equipment
and, should the Reporter be minded to accept them, appear to be reasonable.

Philip Lord (CLDP170c) and Muckhart Community Council's (CLDP174r)
broadband concerns are being addressed through the Scottish Government's
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Digital Broadband Project which will deliver fibre broadband to Muckhart. The
Council invested 300K to ensure that places like Muckhart will be covered.
As this is a national project the Council has no great control over timescales
and we do not yet have detail of when specific areas will be supplied with high
speed broadband, but with an anticipated coverage across Clackmannanshire
in excess of 99% our expectation is that all areas of Clackmannanshire should
be included in the roll out.

BT intends to publish a schedule quarterly of exchange upgrades and areas
being provided with Fibre. As this is a very large scale national programme of
work the Council has no direct control over when any works will be carried
out.

The Digital Scotland web site http://www.digitalscotland.org/superfast-
broadband/check-availability/when-and-where/ contains a postcode checker
and information about the roll out.

The BT Openreach Web Site currently shows the Dollar exchange which
serves Muckhart as 'Under Evaluation'.

The project is still very much in the planning phase so there is limited accurate
information available about roll out timescales.

Officers continue to meet regularly with the project team and as soon as we
have information about availability we shall share this with communities. No
changes are therefore sought to the LDP.

Reporters conclusions:

Reporters recommendations: