The Committee is seeking views (by Friday, October 22) on the proposed planning procedure and policy framework for consideration of telecommunications developments in Scotland. The Committee is particularly interested to receive views on the following questions:

1. whether telecommunications developments should be subject to full planning control,
2. what factors should be taken into account in informing policy on telecommunications developments (such as health, amenity and the precautionary principle),
3. what the published guidance from the Scottish Executive should contain (i.e. guidance to be taken into account by telecommunications operators and planning authorities in developing proposals and considering applications for telecommunications developments).

Announcing the inquiry Committee Convener Andy Kerr MSP said:

"The rapid expansion of the telecommunications network impacts on our lives in many different ways and I am particularly keen to ensure that we reflect and examine the concerns being shown by many communities throughout Scotland. Before the Committee reaches any conclusions, we want to ensure that every individual and organisation that wishes to contribute to our inquiry has had the opportunity to do so."

Written evidence of up to six A4 pages should be submitted by email or on computer disk in word 97 with a single additional hard copy. Witnesses without access to a computer are requested to submit evidence in hard copy to the Committee Office.

Evidence should be submitted to the email or committee address no later than Friday, October 22, 1999. Late submissions will only be accepted by prior agreement with the Committee.

It is expected that oral evidence sessions will take place on November 3 and 17, 1999.

Committee email address:

transportandenvironment@scottish.parliament.uk

Committee postal address:

The Clerk to the Transport and the Environment Committee
The Scottish Parliament
Room 2.7 Committee Chambers
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh
EH9 1SP

The committee’s membership is as follows: Andy Kerr (convener), Helen Eadie, Linda Fabiani, Robin Harper, Janis Hughes, Cathy Jamieson, , Kenny MacAskill, Des McNulty, Nora Radcliffe, Tavish Scott and Murray Tosh.