Mobile Phone Masts and Planning Permission

Mobile phone masts generally fall into two categories, those which require full planning permission, and those which require 'prior approval'.

The prior approval procedure applies to:

• A ground based mast up to and including 15m in height

• A mast up to and including 15m in height installed on a building or structure

• An antennae (including any supporting structure) which exceeds the height of the building or structure (other than a mast) by 4 metres or more at the point of where it is installed or to be installed

• A public call box

• Radio equipment housing with a volume of 2.5 cubic metres

• Development ancillary to radio equipment housing (e.g Fences, access roads)

Where a mast fits into one of the above categories, a mobile phone operator will notify the Council that they wish to submit an application for 'prior approval'. The Council then has 56 days to respond to the operator and to let them know whether they permit or refuse the approval. However, because phone masts under 15 metres are typically classed as 'permitted development', the Council may only consider the how appropriate the location and appearance of the mast is. They may not refuse a mast in this case on planning policy grounds.

On the mobile phone register, prior approval applications are prefixed TL.

Where the development proposed does not fall within the 'prior approval' procedure - for example when a proposed mast is greater than 15m in height - then a full planning application is required.

In considering such a proposal the Council will take into account relevant policies of the Wokingham District Local Plan and Wokingham Borough Local Development Framework, national and regional policy and any other material considerations.

Certain minor mobile phone mast proposals may not constitute development in which instance applications for prior approval or full planning permission will not be required.

Radio equipment housing with a volume of less than 2.5 cubic metres would fall into this category.