Exclude telegraph poles from permitted development legislation

We want the Government to remove permitted development rights for telegraph poles, so telecommunications operators have to apply for permission to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) on any proposed installation and the LPA has to consult with affected residents before issuing permissions.

Telegraph poles erected by operators for the expansion of FTTP broadband do not need planning permission under the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions & Restrictions) 2003 & The Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development (England) Order 2015.

There is no requirement to consider alternatives (like underground cabling) or to inform residents of the installation, so no opportunity for them to engage. The first knowledge residents have of a pole installation is when it appears on their street.

The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone across the UK has access to gigabit-capable broadband as soon as possible. We have already made huge progress on this ambition. In January 2019, only 6% of premises could access gigabit-capable broadband, but due to the Government’s programme and the work of operators, this has now increased to 81%. This progress means that hundreds of thousands more people across the country are getting access to the quality connectivity that can transform access to key services and economic and social opportunities. Our ultimate target is nationwide gigabit-capable broadband coverage by 2030, and for this, it is important to ensure that people across the country can get the connectivity they need at pace, while striking the right balance of engagement with local communities.

All development requires planning permission. However, the Government can, in effect, grant planning permission across England for specific types of development under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended), without the need for a separate planning application to be made.

The Government is aware of concerns that have been raised about the deployment of telegraph poles through permitted development. Understanding the strength of feeling from local communities on this matter helps the Government to ensure these concerns are considered when pursuing connectivity goals.

Whilst we appreciate the strength of feeling of communities, the majority of concerns appear limited to specific operators or a result of the unique characteristics of an area, such as the specific market conditions in Hull. We therefore want to make sure any changes we make to the current system are proportionate and do not undermine the wider rollout of gigabit-capable broadband, which has been so fundamental in getting people the improved connectivity they need.