MDH Computing Se ices Adrian Macer Personal Computer & IT Specialist Telephone: 01234 712 668 Telecommunication troubles . . . A contribution om Counci or Steve Clark The recent installation of a 3G telecommunications base station at Olney Fire Station has been met with great concern and some anger from local residents and businesses. The operator of the equipment had been advised categorically that the Fire Station was not a suitable site for such equipment because of the proximity of the local nursery and the Youth Centre, along with a number of houses. Despite this advice, the operator, Hutchison 3G UK, seems to have signed a ten year contract with the Fire Authori . So just how did this ridiculous situation come about? equipment. Such proposals are determined using Part 24 (Telecommunications) of Schedule 2 of the General Permitted Development Order 1995 (as amended in July 1999 and August 2001). Only a very limited number of telecommunications developments (such as masts exceeding 15 metres in height) require planning permission. The vast majority of others are subject to Prior Approval Determination. In such instances, the telecommunications operator only needs to supply limited details to the planning authority. The latter then has an opportunity to approve or re se the siring and design of the equipment. The planning authority is not able to impose any conditions on any Determination Approval. Additionally, should the planning authority fail to issue a decision on the proposal within 56 days, the development is automatically approved by the legislation! Telecommunications Poli Group Milton Keynes Council is recognised as a very proactive authority in its dealings 1999 the council set up a Telecommunications Poli Group. This group is made up from councillors representing the three main political parties and o icers from planning, environmental health and estates. The council was one of the first to draw up a detailed Telecommunications Systems Poli , to in rm discussions between the council and telecommunications operators. All telecommunications proposals are vetted by the TPG, which then advises the Development Control Committee or the appropriate planning o icer dealing with the proposal. In all cases, operators must confirm that their proposals comply with the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. Provided that an operator can confirm that the proposed equipment complies with the ICNIRP guidelines, health reasons cannot be used as a reason to refuse a Prior Approval Determination. The relationship between Milton Keynes Council and the vanous telecommunications operators has generally been very positive and One of the most complex pieces of planning legislation is that relating to proposals for telecommunications with telecommunications operators. In Mobile: Email: Website: 07930 1 57 633 info@mdhcomputing.com www.mdhcomputing.com • Do you have computer problems? • Is your hardware noisy, crashing or unable to meet your current requirements? • Is your Data secure and regularly backed up correctly? • Do you need an upgrade without the expense of an all new PC? MOH-CS o er the following rapid and cost e ective services: • PC repairs - both Home and O ice systems • Networks for Home or O ice use - wireless and cable based, Internet Routers, Firewalls • Small Data Server systems for shared data applications - both Home and O ice based • Upgrading of existing PC hardware • New PC systems built to your exact needs and requirements • Systems Maintenance, cleaning & servicing • Data & systems backups - advice on hardware configuration • Data transferred from your old PC to your new one • Broadband, Internet & Email - assistance in setting up and configuring PAGE 40 THE PHONEBOX