Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department’s consultation entitled Reforming planning rules to accelerate deployment of digital infrastructure will consider increasing permitted width upgrades to existing ground-based mobile masts alongside proposed increases to permitted height upgrades.

The call for evidence, Reforming planning rules to accelerate the deployment of digital infrastructure, closed on 26 February 2026 and was jointly led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. It sought views on a range of proposals to reform planning rules in England to support investment in, and the rollout of, digital infrastructure.

These proposals focused on expanding permitted development rights for digital infrastructure such as ground-based masts, rooftop equipment and fibre exchanges, as well as extending the period for temporary deployment without planning permission. This included proposals to increase the height of ground-based masts, including monopoles, currently permitted under prior approval.

As part of the review of responses, we will assess the evidence received, including where it may relate to limits on infrastructure size permitted under existing planning regulations, to inform ongoing policy development in this area. Subject to the evidence, we will determine next steps, which may include consulting on draft measures and, where appropriate, bringing forward legislation.