2.21 As we move towards global markets and embrace a knowledge economy the importance of Information Communication Technology (ICT) is paramount. If the North East economy is to participate and compete at a national and international level it is vital that the area has a first class ICT infrastructure. This is recognised by NESEDP and the promotion and implementation of ICT infrastructure is a major priority of the partnership. Home working and teleworking are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities created by ICT and should be encouraged and promoted in local plans. This in turn will reduce travel demands and provide an increasingly valuable contribution to employment creation in rural areas. The structure plan supports the provision of a high quality ICT infrastructure network throughout the North East, for example broadband ICT. A balance requires to be struck between the business need for excellent telecommunications and the need to safeguard amenity, nature conservation, the environment and public safety. However the detailed consideration required for the planning and location of that infrastructure (for example telecommunications apparatus) is a matter that will be dealt with in local plans. New national planning guidance on Radio Telecommunications was released for consultation in November 2000 and support is given by the structure plan for the approach taken in the NPPG, which is to enable the telecommunications industry to expand and diversify in a sensitive manner. More detailed guidance given in the NPPG will require to be taken into account by local plans in their telecommunications policies.