Managing Technological Change

Chapter 4 - Providing for Integrated Community Infrastructure

Objective 2 - Managing Technological Change

4.18: The opportunity for new technology often presents challenges for the planning system. The introduction of digital telecommunication systems is revolutionising the way people communicate and work while the drive for renewable non-polluting sources of fuel is raising new questions regarding impacts on the environment. The planning system has an important role in helping facilitate development and in supporting any economic benefits that may arise. However it must also ensure that the amenity of the environment is suitably protected from adverse forms of development.

Integrating Technology with Development

4.19: The application of new technology in buildings takes many forms and can offer extensive social and economic benefits. However, the installation of associated equipment must be undertaken carefully to protect and enhance the local environment.

Policy INF6 - Integrating New Technology into Development

The installation and use of electronic communications equipment as appropriate for new developments will be supported, on the basis that the amenity of adjoining uses is not affected. Specifically, proposals for new housing, supermarkets/superstores, business and community facilities will require where possible to promote access to technology, and use technical innovation for energy efficiency.

Radio Telecommunications

4.20: There is now full planning control on the provision of all ground based telecommunications masts and their associated equipment. National planning guidance is given in NPPG 19 (Radio Telecommunications) and PAN 62 (Radio Telecommunications). The Council will encourage the expansion of telecommunications provided harm to towns, buildings and the countryside is avoided. Pre-application consultation with the Council is encouraged. Wherever feasible, mast sharing should be adopted in preference to the unnecessary erection of additional masts.
4.21: NPPG 19, makes it clear that any associated public health issues arising from radio frequency emissions (RF) are not material planning considerations. This is controlled and regulated by the Health and Safety Executive, the DTI and the Radio Communications Agency as the licensing authorities. Wherever appropriate, mast sharing should be adopted in preference to the unnecessary erection of additional masts.

Policy INF7 - Telecommunications Masts

There is a general presumption in favour of telecommunications development provided that:

the developer indicates how the proposal fits into the network or system including, where appropriate, any technical justification for the development; and
the developer demonstrates why the erection of a new mast is preferred to sharing or enhancing any existing mast; and
the proposal is well sited and designed so does not result in an unacceptable adverse impact on the built or natural environment; and
the provision of masts and/or associated equipment within the following designated areas shall be strictly controlled to ensure the heritage value of these areas is protected from any harmful form of development – natural heritage area (including SSSI’s, International and European designations), conservation area, historic garden or designed landscape, and sites of local ecological value, Category A listed buildings and their settings, scheduled ancient monuments and their settings, Green Belt areas, Areas of Great Landscape Value and areas covered by a Tree Preservation Order.

4.22: NPPG 19 makes it clear that it is not necessary for Planning Authorities to treat radio frequency emissions (RF) as a material consideration. This is controlled and Supplementary planning advice is available to enable customers to be aware of when planning permission is required for the erection of satellite dishes for domestic use. The Council’s Housing Services deals directly with any proposal involving public sector housing.

Policy INF8 - Telecommunications Equipment for Residences

Developers of flatted accommodation will normally require to satisfy the Council that proper consideration has been given to the telecommunications needs of prospective occupiers. Provision for communal or master antenna systems to serve all occupiers will normally be required, as individual apparatus is unlikely to be permitted. All external equipment should be located in an unobtrusive position, typically to the rear or side of a property and below eaves height if it requires to be affixed to the building. Stricter control of design and siting will apply in the case of Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings.

Renewable Energy

4.23: An important aspect of sustainable development is the need to produce energy with less cost to the environment. Renewable energy is defined in the Utilities Act 2000 as “sources of energy other than fossil fuel or nuclear fuel”. The Government is committed to increase the proportion of Scotland’s energy which is derived from renewable sources from 12% in 2000 to 18% by 2010. The Renewables Obligation (Scotland) will be an obligation on all licensed electricity suppliers to provide an increasing percentage of their supply in Scotland from qualifying renewable sources. The main source of this increase is likely to come from wind energy.
4.24: Potential for small-scale hydro, wind and other renewable energy projects exist in parts of Clackmannanshire, particularly in the Ochil Hills. Alteration No. 1 to the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Structure Plan was approved in June 2004. The Alteration introduces new strategic policies addressing renewable energy and energy-efficient development, energy from hydro sources, wind energy, and energy from biomass. Detailed local guidance on renewable energy will be developed in due course.
4.25: Although there are no significant renewable energy developments at present, potential for hydro, wind and other renewable energy projects may exist in parts of Clackmannanshire, particularly in the Ochil Hills. The Scottish Executive have required that the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Structure Plan is altered to provide a framework for renewable energy developments in the area. It is expected that this process will be completed early in 2003 and, following approval, this Local Plan will be modified or altered to provide detailed policy guidance on renewable energy developments in Clackmannanshire.

Policy INF9 - Renewable Energy Developments (Interim Policy)

Proposals for renewable energy developments will be considered positively provided that they have no significant adverse impact on the built or natural environment. There will be a presumption in favour of smaller renewable energy schemes (less than 25kW peak electrical output) provided that they do not result in any significant harm to the visual amenity, landscape or habitats and do not result in unacceptable noise intrusion. Wind farm developments will not normally be permitted within areas of Green Belt or in any part of the Ochil Hills.

Energy Efficiency

4.26: Potential for hydro, wind and other forms of renewable energy development may exist in Clackmannanshire, particularly on the Ochil Hills and surrounding valleys. An alteration to the Structure Plan was submitted to the Scottish Executive in 2003, to provide a strategic policy framework for renewable energy developments in the area. Following approval , an alteration to this Local Plan will be prepared to provide more detailed policy guidance for renewable energy developments in Clackmannanshire.
4.27: SPP 3 (Planning for Housing) indicates that developers should be conscious of the need to design layouts to maximise energy efficiency. Traditional patterns of development in Scottish towns tended to be strongly influenced by climatic factors. However, during the twentieth century, new development increasingly disregarded the benefits of creating sheltered micro-climates. Developers will be encouraged to ensure that built form and design maximises shelter from the elements.

Policy INF10 - Energy Efficiency

Proposed new developments should be designed to maximise energy efficiency while complementing the established character of Clackmannanshire’s settlements. The creation of a sheltered micro-climate through the relationship of buildings to each other and by fencing, hedges and shelter belts should be achieved. New development should be situated to maximise shelter afforded by topography. Buildings and windows should be situated and orientated sensitively to maximise passive solar gain.

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