HILLINGDON UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN - London Borough ...

High Buildings and Structures
5.44 Some areas such as high points and ridges, areas of rural character, and areas of architectural or
historic interest, are particularly sensitive to the impact of high buildings. New high buildings or structures
should only be allowed if they would not be detrimental to the character of these areas. LPAC's Strategic
Advice proposed that high buildings should not normally be approved in or adjacent to areas of Green Belt,
areas of Metropolitan Open Land, sight lines to skyline ridges (e.g. around Northwood, Harefield and
Ruislip), and areas constrained by airport safety zones. Areas considered sensitive to high buildings are
illustrated on Figure 5. Strategic Planning Guidance (1996) requires also that local views should be
protected as appropriate (RPG3, Para. 8.22) and the Council will be undertaking further work to identify
particular views and appropriate policies for their protection
BE36 WITHIN THE AREAS IDENTIFIED IN FIGURE 5 AS BEING PARTICULARLY
SENSITIVE, HIGH BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES, WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IF THE
LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY IS SATISFIED THAT THEY WILL NOT:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
MAR THE SKYLINE;
INTRUDE UNACCEPTABLY INTO IMPORTANT LOCAL VIEWS; OR
INTERFERE WITH AVIATION AND NAVIGATION.
5.45 It is not the intention to refuse all high buildings in these areas as some tall structures can offer
benefits in functional or townscape terms, for example by allowing a freedom of layout that would enable
major public improvements and amenities to be provided, or by identifying and emphasising a point of
civic or visual significance.
Telecommunications
5.46 The demand for satellite dishes, radio antennae and other telecommunications apparatus has been
increasing and is expected to continue, due to greater commercial and domestic demand, new technology
and central government's commitment to promote this field. The Local Planning Authority is aware of the
special needs of the telecommunications industry and recognises that in some cases the development of the
telecommunications networks may compromise planning objectives (PPG8 (revised),
paragraphs 13-15). In order to minimise the effect on the environment, applicants should explore every
alternative consistent with operational efficiency. Masts, antennae and other structures often need to be
sited in particular locations to work effectively. These may be in visually sensitive areas such as open
countryside, hill tops and some urban areas, where such developments may appear particularly obtrusive.
Whilst the Local Planning Authority supports the development of telecommunications, it will seek to
minimise the effect on the landscape and townscape of the Borough. Applicants must therefore
demonstrate that equipment is necessary in the proposed location, and could not be sited in less visually
sensitive locations or share existing facilities. In such circumstances, the local planning authority may
grant temporary permissions in case technological development subsequently allows the use of less
prominent structures. Additionally, PPG8 allows the granting of temporary permissions to allow time to
assess interference problems.
BE37 TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTABLE IN
PRINCIPLE PROVIDED THAT ANY APPARATUS IS SITED AND DESIGNED SO AS TO
MINIMISE ITS EFFECT ON THE APPEARANCE OF THE SURROUNDING AREAS. THE
LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL ONLY GRANT PERMISSION FOR LARGE OR
PROMINENT STRUCTURES IF:
(i)
(ii)
THERE IS A NEED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT IN THAT LOCATION;
NO SATISFACTORY ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS IS
AVAILABLE;
London Borough of Hillingdon Unitary Development Plan