Sustainability and Social Justice

Planning For a New Telecommunications Network in the U.K

R. Ford

Document Type

Article

Abstract

In the immediate future, telecommunications operators await the precise outcome of the U.K. review of national planning guidance. Public concerns will continue to be important. However, the operators seek consistent and efficient decision-making at both the national and local levels in order to deliver economically on their 3G licence commitments to provide 80 per cent of national coverage by 2007. The devolved assemblies will need to consider such factors carefully. In the courts and planning appeals, there may be further procedural and human rights grounds run by both objectors and operators. Operators will keep a watchful eye on whether LPAs adopt a "precautionary approach" different to that adopted by the DETR. Finally, in the longer term, international scientific consensus over EMFs and health issues will determine the potential of any EMF damage claims in the U.K. courts. As with the regulation of other sophisticated technologies, such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, for the foreseeable future telecommunications regulation in the U.K. is necessarily linked with scientific research.

Publication Title

Journal of Planning and Environment Law

Publication Date

1-1-2001

Issue

SEPTEMBER

First Page

1033

Last Page

1042

ISSN

0307-4870

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