There is no need for viewers to replace their TV equipment for switchover, and this is emphasised in Digital UK's public communications. However, some people may use switchover as an opportunity to upgrade their TV or video recorder, and may therefore dispose of analogue TV equipment sooner than they would otherwise have done. Local authorities will want to be confident that waste TV equipment will be handled appropriately in their local area.
Waste TV equipment is subject to the Waste and Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations, which aim to minimise the impact of electrical and electronic goods on the environment, in part by maximising the separate collection of WEEE from other forms of waste.
Local authorities have no obligations under the WEEE Regulations, but there are implications for local authorities who:
- Receive household WEEE deposited by local residents at their civic amenity sites or via waste transfer stations; and/or
- Make bulky waste collections from local residents.
The Government encourages council to support the separate collection of WEEE, and local authorities can secure free collection of WEEE at their civic amenity sites or waste transfer stations, if these sites are registered as 'Designated Collection Facilities'. Detailed guidance from the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) is available from: www.berr.gov.uk/files/file42909.pdf.
Works of a varying nature will be needed on over 1150 transmitters across the UK. The works are being funded by the broadcasters and will be carried out by the owners of the transmitters - National Grid Wireless (NGW) and Arqiva. The physical works will be diverse, including major alterations and even replacement of a small proportion of the large broadcast masts, erection of temporary masts, installation of new masts in some areas and smaller works that may be considered de minimus.
NGW and Arqiva will follow normal planning processes and have been encouraged to make early contact with planning authorities. PPG8 applies to all forms of electronic communications, including broadcasting, but when drafted did not contemplate the switchover project. However, much of the guidance is relevant and applicable. The UK Government wrote to chief planning officers in July 2006 to make them aware of the implications - see: Generic letter to all Chief Planning Officers in England.
In some circumstances, residents will be seeking planning permission to erect satellite dishes or other antennas. You need to be prepared to consider applications fairly and promptly. The planning guidelines for satellite dishes and other antennas have been recently amended in all UK nations.
