Maidenhead & Windsor

The often controversial question of where telecoms masts should be sited in the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough is the subject of a wide-ranging consultation that gives residents and businesses the opportunity to have their say.

One of the main aims of the new draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on Telecommunications Development is to bring local Windsor and Maidenhead people and telecommunications companies together to find sites for new equipment that:

* address the concerns of residents and
* meet the companies’ business needs.

The council is also reminding telecoms companies that ‘it’s good to talk’ to local people before submitting planning applications for phone masts and other communications equipment.

Cllr Derek Wilson, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning, said it was vitally important for communities to be consulted as early as possible on new sites for masts and equipment.

He said: “So much distrust has been built up over the years because residents have not been involved and feel decisions are forced upon them without adequate consultation – for example after the council has refused an application which is later granted on appeal.

“While we appreciate the importance of mobile technology both for business and social use, the council is determined to ensure that local consultation and resident involvement must be top priorities from the outset.“

The draft SPD, which will feed into the new Local Development Framework, is now out for consultation until Friday September 7. The document is available for viewing at the customer service centre in the Town Hall, Maidenhead, and Sheet Street, Windsor, and at all borough libraries. Copies may also be downloaded from www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/pp_telecommunications_spd.htm

Response forms are available at Windsor and Maidenhead council offices and libraries or can be completed online at the above web address. Written responses can also be sent through the post to Group Manager – Minor Applications, RBWM Planning Service, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF or by email to planning.policy@rbwm.gov.uk

Further information is available on 01628 796115.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead