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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 17 May 2021 to Question 212, if he will make it his policy to require broadband providers to seek full planning permission to erect new timber telegraph poles rather than allowing the use of permitted development rights.

The Government’s ambition is to deliver nationwide gigabit-capable broadband, including full-fibre connection to premises as soon as possible. This will give people more freedom to live and work flexibly and be instrumental in supporting economic growth, communities and social inclusion.

The Government considers that there are sufficient measures in place to control the use of telegraph poles for broadband infrastructure by providers designated as Code Operators. Limits on the ability to install such equipment are provided in the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations 2003, which sets out circumstances in which lines may not be installed underground. Additional conditions and limitations in the General Permitted Development Order, 2015 (as amended). restrict the scale and height of apparatus which may be installed without planning permission. Operators are also expected to adhere to the Cabinet and Pole Siting Code of Practice to ensure new apparatus is installed sensitively.