Infrastructure Delivery Plan (Feb 2013) - Runnymede Borough Council

Local Plan
8.17 The location policies in the Local Plan (LP01-LP08), confirm where new development is
expected in the Borough over the plan period. In total, up to 4512 new residential units
could be built (although it is not considered likely that this number will be delivered)
plus 80,000sqm of office space. Development would largely be focused in the
Borough’s Urban Areas and at the former DERA site in Longcross. New development
in these areas over the plan period will utilise the telecommunications network which
exists in the Borough and any further masts permitted over the plan period.
Future provision
8.18 The Mobile Operators Association (representing T Mobile UK (TMUK) & 3, O2, Orange
and Vodafone) Annual Rollout Plans for 2011/12 identified a number of planned new
sites for telecommunications development in the Borough over the coming year. With
over 81 million mobile connections in the UK, improvements in technology, and
customer expectations, there is continuing demand for network upgrades and
expansion so that customers can use their mobile phones when and where they want.
It is therefore considered reasonable to assume that there will be an increase in the
amount of telecommunications infrastructure in the Borough over the plan period as
well as upgrades to existing installations.
8.19 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states (in paragraph 42) that,
‘advanced, high quality communications infrastructure is essential for sustainable
economic growth. The development of high-speed broadband technology and other
communications networks also plays a vital role in enhancing the provision of local
community facilities and services’. Indeed it is agreed that in line with this approach,
new and upgraded telecommunications infrastructure will be vital in ensuring a vibrant
and prosperous economy over the plan period.
Costs and funding sources
8.20 It is expected that any additional infrastructure that is required to support the
telecommunications network or local access networks in the Borough over the plan
period will be funded by mobile phone operators or companies in the communications
industry.
Risk Assessment
8.21 The main risk to this type of infrastructure is considered to be the natural and built
environment in the Borough preventing effective coverage from telecommunications
infrastructure. Dense wooded areas are, for example, known to affect the ability of
masts to provide effective coverage. Such features could impact on the effectiveness of
the telecommunications infrastructure which could have a knock on effect for residents
and businesses operating in the Borough. The risk of this scenario occurring varies
across the Borough depending on the individual characteristics of a given locality.
Risk ID Description Probability Severity
IDPR019
Natural and built environment of
Borough preventing effective coverage
Medium Low
IDPR020
Supply of new and/or improved
infrastructure and pace of change in Low Low
technology failing to meet demand
Conclusion
8.22 Development proposals over the plan period, in combination with improvements in
technology and high customer expectations are likely to place additional pressure on
the existing communications infrastructure that serves the Borough. Proposals for new
communications infrastructure or improvements to existing installations are expected
over the plan period. Each application will need to be considered on its own merits. The
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Runnymede IDP DRAFT – February 2013