5G Consultation Concluded
The Government recently concluded its consultation on proposals to simplify planning processes in England to support the further rollout of 4G and introduce 5G networks to extend full-fibre broadband coverage across the country by 2033 and for the majority of the population to have access to 5G mobile coverage by 2027. This is part of the Government’s long-term strategy for meeting its digital connectivity targets, outlined in the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review which involves tackling barriers to deployment and creating the right conditions for investment to deliver better network coverage that supports the way we live and work today.
The consultation sought views on the principle of amending or creating new permitted development rights to grant planning permission for the following four proposals, and in particular, the circumstances in which it would be appropriate to: a) enable deployment of radio housing equipment on land without requiring prior approval to support 5G deployment; b) strengthen existing masts to enable sites to be upgraded for 5G and for mast sharing without prior approval; c) enable the deployment of building-based masts nearer to highways to support deployment of 5G and extend mobile coverage, subject to prior approval; and d) enable higher masts to deliver better mobile coverage and mast sharing, subject to prior approval.
AR agrees that getting the planning system right for future 5G and today’s 4G networks is critical to the helping economic growth in all business sectors including retail and is awaiting the Government’s response.