Issue - meetings

 A report from the Commercial Director is attached. (Key decision – reference number 4685)

(Report No.94)

(8.50 – 8.55 pm)

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Property and Assets) introduced the report of the Commercial Director (No.94) reviewing and redefining the Council’s current policy decision regarding the siting of mobile telephone masts and transmitters on civic buildings which had been in place since 2003.

NOTED

1.            The correlation with the Commercial Strategy previously discussed (Minute No.9 above refers).

2.            The importance of providing access to a good internet service in the Borough to ensure that it was commercially attractive to businesses wanting to locate here.

3.            Members supported the proposals set out in the report and in so doing, noted that there was now an improved understanding regarding the potential risks to public health of transmitting equipment, as outlined in the report.

Alternative Options Considered: To continue with the existing policy – this would significantly limit the opportunities to increase social inclusion through technology.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

1.         that with respect to transmitters providing gigabit broadband connectivity for businesses only the Council changes the policy decision from 2003.

2.         that new applications regarding the siting of transmitters providing gigabit broadband connectivity for businesses on Council owned buildings were considered on a case by case basis through the usual planning process.

Reason: Exploiting these opportunities would provide the following benefits for the Council: support the wider economic development and regeneration strategy of the Council (section 5 of the report referred); attract further investment from wireless broadband operators into the London Borough of Enfield; and, generate additional revenue from sectors of the telecom operators without the inherent risks of the new Telecom Code Powers.

(Key decision – reference number 4685)