Telecoms CAD drawings for a new mast site or rooftop installation cover a defined set of deliverables that support planning approval, structural assessment, ICNIRP compliance, landlord consent, and construction. Understanding what drawings are needed at each stage of the process helps network operators, contractors, and site acquisition teams manage the programme efficiently.
Planning drawings
Planning drawings are produced for Local Planning Authority (LPA) submission and must show the proposed development accurately in the context of the existing site. For greenfield mast sites, planning drawings typically include a site location plan, a site layout plan showing the proposed structure and ground equipment, elevations showing the mast or pole with antenna array, and a visual impact assessment drawing showing the structure in its landscape context.
For rooftop sites, planning drawings show the proposed antenna positions and equipment on the building, with elevations from relevant viewpoints. Where permitted development rights apply, a formal planning application may not be required, but the drawings may still be needed for Prior Approval notification.
Structural drawings
Structural drawings for telecoms sites show the mast or support structure design, the antenna mounting arrangement, and the structural loading applied by the antennas and ancillary equipment. For rooftop sites, structural drawings show how the proposed equipment is supported from the building structure and the loads transferred to the building.
Structural drawings are produced by or in conjunction with a structural engineer and must satisfy the building owner, the network operator’s structural standards, and, for new structures, the relevant design codes.
ICNIRP compliance documentation
ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) reports are required for UK mobile telecoms sites to demonstrate that the site complies with public exposure limits for radio frequency electromagnetic fields. The ICNIRP report uses the antenna positions, power levels, and beam patterns shown on the site drawings to calculate the exclusion zones and confirm compliance.
The site layout plan is the primary input to the ICNIRP calculation. Accurate antenna positions and heights are essential for a reliable compliance assessment.
Construction pack
The construction pack is the full drawing set issued to the installation contractor for site construction. It typically includes the site layout plan, the equipment schedule, the antenna mounting details, the cable route drawing, the earthing drawing, and the as-built template drawings to be marked up during installation.
Outsource CAD produces telecoms site drawing packages from planning stage through to as-built for 4G and 5G programmes across the UK. Contact info@outsourcecad.com or call +44 28 9009 8876.
