Information for Applicants

Mobile phone masts

There are about 70 million mobile phones in use in the UK - that's more than one phone for every person. Many people have a work and a personal mobile, or a mobile and a laptop datacard, and mobile phones are used in at least 85 per cent of all households.

This large number of mobile phones cannot work without the network infrastructure needed to route connections. And installations must be placed close to where people use their phones.

Government policy is to help the growth of new and existing telecommunications systems while minimising the environmental impact.

The Planning Portal provides extensive advice and guidance including:

• Planning rules that govern phone mast siting.
• How mobile phone networks operate.
• Consultation procedure and Appeals.
• Health and Safety.