The Government is acutely aware of ongoing concerns about the installation of telegraph poles. On 20 February, the Secretary of State wrote to the Chief Executive of Ofcom regarding the 2003 Regulations, asking them how they could enforce greater infrastructure sharing.
We are actively considering a wide range of measures we can take to address these concerns, and to promote collaborative engagement between operators and communities. I will ensure that interested Members are made aware of any concrete steps my Department takes.
Telegraph poles play an important role in delivering efficient and cost effective coverage and connectivity to communities, particularly in hard to reach areas without costly and disruptive roadworks, or where existing infrastructure cannot be used.
While telegraph poles and lines can be deployed without prior approval under certain conditions (including where poles and service lines already exist in an area, and where it is not practicable to deploy service lines underground), these permitted development rights do not remove any other applicable regulatory requirements and approvals placed on proposed development, such as through Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations.
The General Permitted Development Order also places conditions on such developments, including that the visual impact of the development on the surrounding area should be minimised as far as practicable, especially for more sensitive areas, such as Conservation Areas.
Although permitted development rights allow telegraph poles and lines to be deployed without requiring case-by-case approval from the planning authority, these rights are still subject to certain restrictions and limitations set out in legislation.
However, we recognise that care must be taken when choosing where to site telegraph poles; ensuring that any potential disruption to communities is minimised.
That is why the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations 2003 (as amended) require that in these cases, the developer must notify the local planning authority of its intention to deploy and can do so 28 days after giving this notice. The local planning authority must, within this period, give written notice of any conditions with which they wish the Code Operator to comply in respect of the installation of the apparatus. Local planning authorities have discretion about how they inform communities and other interested parties about planning proposals. In addition to the Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice, the Digital Connectivity Portal provides extensive guidance for local authorities and operators to help facilitate broadband deployment, including technical information, as well as examples of best practice such as early engagement with communities.
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