Infrastructure - Digital Infrastructure

Developers of new residential, commercial and leisure developments will be required to incorporate appropriate, universal and future-proofed digital infrastructure.

Developers are encouraged to consult early with service providers so that appropriate, universal and future-proofed infrastructure is installed and utilised.

The Council will have regard to government policy and advice, the operational requirements of networks and technological considerations when assessing proposals for the installation of electronic communications.

The Council will in all instances seek to safeguard amenity and the environment.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the Scottish Government's latest guidance on siting, design and construction/installation of digital telecommunication equipment when developing their proposals.

For the avoidance of doubt, this policy will only apply to those developments of such a scale or type as not to fall under Permitted Development Rights (PDR).

Each proposal must comply with the following provisions:

1. proposals should demonstrate that all siting and design solutions have been fully considered and, where appropriate, met, including options for:
   1. mast or site sharing
   2. installation on existing masts, structures and buildings
   3. installing the smallest suitable equipment where it would be visible
   4. installation of ground-based masts
   5. use of concealing/disguising techniques where appropriate
2. proposals should provide the following details:
   1. how the proposal will fit into the wider telecommunications network
   2. siting options, alternatives considered and the case for the chosen solution
   3. design, height and materials
   4. proposed landscaping and screen planting, where appropriate
   5. an assessment of any cumulative effects of the proposed development in combination with existing equipment in the area
   6. an assessment of visual and amenity impact, if relevant
   7. a declaration that all equipment and installation is designed to be in full compliance with the appropriate ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection) guidelines for public exposure to radio frequency radiation
3. where appropriate, proposals should demonstrate that:

a. there would be no physical obstruction to aerodrome operations, technical sites or existing transmitter/receiver facilities

b. the proposal would have no adverse effect on the operation of existing digital infrastructure or on the delivery of strategic roll-out plans, subject to the provision of appropriate mitigation measures

Development proposals that deliver new digital services or provide technological improvements, particularly in areas with no or low connectivity capacity will be supported where proposals are clearly aligned with fulfilling the delivery of local or national policy objectives and where there are benefits of this connectivity for communities and the local economy.

Should any communications installations become operationally redundant, the Council will require their immediate removal and the restoration of the site to its original condition. A financial guarantee in line with Policy FIN1 of the LDP and the Council's Supplementary Guidance on Financial Guarantees may be required for larger scale developments