Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of using permitted development powers for the installation of (a) fibre optic and (b) 5G (i) poles and (ii) other infrastructure in residential areas on (A) broadband coverage, (B) quality of life and (C) street landscape in those areas.

Reliable, fast digital connectivity is vital for the prosperity of this country, local businesses and families.

It is essential that the planning system can effectively support the delivery of the telecommunications infrastructure that we need. Permitted development rights are an important tool to enable deployment of fixed line broadband and mobile telecommunications. In 2022 we introduced reforms to planning regulations to enable faster deployment of 4G and 5G networks.

These encouraged sharing of existing infrastructure and ensured that local areas can consider the location and appearance of new ground-based masts. The Code of Practice for Wireless Network Development and Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice outline additional expectations for operators to consult communities.

The Government Response to consultation, published on 7 March 2022, set the Government’s assessment of how these changes strike an appropriate balance between providing local control and delivering improved connectivity.