Guidance for planning applications for telecommunications apparatus in designated and sensitive landscapes

Designated and sensitive landscapes

Designated landscapes include National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), now also known as National Landscapes.

Planning Policy Wales (PPW) states that National Parks and AONBs/National Landscapes have equal status in terms of landscape and scenic beauty. Both must receive a high level of protection.

Sensitive landscapes are other areas that may be vulnerable to new telecommunications apparatus. These include landscapes valued for their scenic qualities, tranquillity, or remoteness, especially where these qualities depend on the absence of structures like masts.

General principles

Designated and sensitive landscapes may be able to accommodate new telecommunications development if proposals are sited and designed sensitively and unobtrusively. Good design should apply everywhere, not just in the most sensitive locations.

Proposals should consider:

height, form, materials, and colours of the apparatus
landscape works, including planting
cumulative impacts
relevant technical constraints

National policy emphasises conserving landscape character and minimising visual impacts in designated and sensitive landscapes. Poor siting and design can have the greatest impact in these areas, so careful consideration is needed to maintain their character while improving network coverage. Future Wales (The National Plan) also advises that telecommunications apparatus should be carefully located in these landscapes to minimise visual impact.

Types of planning permission

There are three types of planning permission for telecommunications apparatus:

permitted development with a requirement to notify
permitted development with a requirement for prior approval
planning permission requiring a full planning application to the relevant authority

Preparing planning applications

To minimise the impact of new telecommunications apparatus on designated and sensitive landscapes, applicants should consider:

choice of site and layout
scale of development (number and height of structures)
form (shape) and finish (colour, texture, reflectivity)
ancillary works, such as fencing, service buildings, tracks, notices, and lighting

Site selection

Tall structures like masts can be hard to integrate into the landscape. The preferred starting point is to choose a site less sensitive to change. Applicants should propose sharing telecommunications apparatus wherever practical, which may involve upgrading existing equipment.

If sharing is not practical due to unacceptable landscape or visual impacts, consider site sharing. Site sharing is encouraged to minimise landscape impact and reduce the number of sites required. However, clustering equipment can have cumulative effects, so these must be assessed.

If a new site is needed and it is not possible to avoid designated or sensitive landscapes, the application should justify why sharing is not possible and explain why alternative, less sensitive sites have been ruled out.

Best practice for reducing landscape and visual impacts includes:

placing masts near similar structures, such as industrial or commercial premises, or major road junctions
placing masts in or near existing trees, or planting trees to help integrate the mast (avoid unnecessary loss of trees and consider future tree growth)
considering felling schedules if using plantation forests for screening
reviewing alternative sites and explaining site selection, using tools like LANDMAP and local landscape character assessments
considering less sensitive urban areas, such as industrial areas, business parks, or land near main roads

Applications should be supported by a Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) to show how the apparatus fits into its location and wider setting. LVAs should consider key sightlines, landmarks, and vistas, which may be especially important in designated or sensitive landscapes.

Some sites, such as prominent ridgelines or summits, or landscapes valued for tranquillity or remoteness, are likely to be inappropriate for new telecommunications apparatus and should be avoided.

Read our guidance on Assessing landscape sensitivity

Design

When designing telecommunications apparatus, consider:

Scale: Use the smallest suitable equipment for the site and technology needs. Consider alternatives such as slimline poles instead of lattice masts where appropriate.
Camouflage: Use siting and design to minimise visual impact, such as slimline poles, disguising equipment as telegraph poles, or integrating with trees. Where tree cover is used, ensure long-term management of planting.
Colour: Choose colours that blend with the prevailing background. For example, use pale grey for masts viewed against the sky and matt green or brown for wooded backdrops. Designs should be simple and unfussy.
Equipment housing: Cabinets should blend in with surroundings and be screened where appropriate. In sensitive locations, consider placing equipment underground or screening with local features.
Compounds and fencing: Use natural surface materials and keep hard landscaping to a minimum. Fencing should suit the setting and avoid standardised designs.
Power supply: In remote locations, consider underground cabling or renewable energy sources to minimise impact.
Lighting and signage: Avoid unnecessary lighting and position signs to minimise visual effects.
Access tracks: Relate tracks to existing features, follow land contours, and use appropriate materials. Minimise soil disturbance and visual impact.

When assessing proposals, consider the technical and operational needs of 5G infrastructure and balance improved connectivity with visual impact.

Further information can be found on siting and design requirements in the Welsh Government Guidance Note: Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development for Wales.

Supporting information for planning applications

Applications for telecommunications apparatus in designated or sensitive landscapes should include:

a Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) prepared by a qualified landscape professional, following the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA3)
adequate study areas for assessment
assessment of landscape value and special qualities
Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) analysis, including cumulative analysis
explanation of mitigation measures
visualisations, such as photomontages
evidence that the proposal is essential and meets the development function
explanation of siting and design choices, and how they relate to landscape objectives