Pre-Construction Television and Radio Reception Surveys
Large proposed development, master plans and wind farms often require an environmental study (ES) to accompany the planning application submission. Specialist consultants are required to advise on and submit assessments covering a wide range of subjects. We provide radio and television reception surveys and telecommunications impact assessments for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scale projects and smaller proposed development.
A typical study is carried out in the same systematic approach as identified in EIA guidelines – identification of the study / survey area, a baseline condition survey (for example, measurement of pre-construction TV and radio signal levels in the study area), prediction of the likely impacts on receptors (telecoms, broadcast, TV / radio reception, wireless services etc.), assessment of impacts and effects for any sensitive receptors (TV viewers, microwave link owners etc.), identification of suitable mitigation measures, assessment of residual effects and overall conclusions.
Typical work to assist in planning application submission or discharging a planning condition would involve a detailed pre-visit desktop study, broadcast service reception impact assessments, the results and findings of field surveys / site visits and comprehensive analysis of likely effects and suitable mitigation. The issued report would contain detailed maps* indicating areas of likely interference and the locations of surveyed areas; discussion and analysis of the pre-construction baseline reception conditions; analysis of the broadcast services available to those areas; and detailed technical advice on suitable mitigation measures.
The field survey records the baseline reception conditions prior to construction. As detailed pre-construction (baseline) television and radio signal measurements would then exist, that data would aid developers / project managers should any locally reported interference require investigation. The data could also be used to assist with a post-construction study.
Post-Construction Radio and Television Reception Surveys
As a result of planning conditions or requirements presented in a schedule of an S106 agreements, developers are sometimes required to investigate changes to local television reception conditions, irrespective of any reported reception problems or interference complaints. Such a study would be carried out in a similar fashion to a pre-construction survey and would involve; site visits, signal measurements, and the comprehensive analysis of data sets with overall impacts and effects. A standard report would contain detailed OS mapping* indicating surveyed areas, analysis of the broadcast services available, areas of interference, discussion and analysis of the reception conditions, and detailed technical advice on suitable mitigation measures.
Contact us on 01926 744771 to discuss your ES, EIA or scoping requirements
* – mapping data used in assessments is provided by Ordnance Survey (OS), under the terms of the Open Government Licence, OS data Crown copyright and database copyright (2025)