The City of Cape Town has revised its existing Cellular Telecommunication Infrastructure Policy (approved in 2002) in order to include all telecommunication infrastructure (not only cellular) as well as to update the provisions and guidelines which include addressing all possible impacts of this infrastructure.
Due to the rapid expansion of the telecommunications industry and the increasing demand for radio telecommunication services and new technologies, the location, siting and development of Telecommunication Infrastructure (TI) has become an issue of particular interest to both the public and local government. Debate has focused on both visual impacts as well as possible risks due to public exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from such infrastructure.
The overall purpose of the new draft policy is to facilitate the growth of new and existing telecommunications systems in the city, in an efficient, environmentally appropriate and sustainable way. This growth must also involve minimal impact on the socio-economic, biophysical and built environment of the city and should not negatively affect the sense of wellbeing and health of the community.
To this end, the City has prepared a Draft Telecommunication Infrastructure Policy (pertaining to health, land use, environmental and heritage matters). This is now available for public comment (see below).
Issues addressed in the policy include:
- site selection and co-location
- visual impact, landscaping, public and residential amenity
- impact on areas of environmental and heritage significance
- impact on existing services and utilities
- impact on public health and safety
The policy specifically aims to assist planning practitioners and local government by providing a framework for the preparation and assessment of applications for TI within the context of the planning system of the City of Cape Town. This includes providing a uniform and comprehensive set of standards, assessment criteria, guidelines, requirements and conditions so as to have a uniform approach for decision-making across the city.
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The draft policy is open for comment and can be downloaded by clicking here for the full document and here for an executive summary. You may also request a copy by email: ti.policy@capetown.gov.za In addition, printed copies are available for viewing at all subcouncil offices and public libraries.
The comment period has been extended so that comments on the draft policy may be submitted on or before 30 September 2011 in writing as follows:
- By post to The Manager, Environmental and Heritage Management Branch, PO Box 4529, Cape Town, 8000
- By hand to the same as above at 2nd floor, Media City Building, cnr Heerengracht and Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town
- By fax to 021 425 4448
- By email to ti.policy@capetown.gov.za
- By completing the City’s online form
Any further enquiries may be directed to ti.policy@capetown.gov.za or Ronelle Clarke on tel 021 400 6534 (mornings only).
