Commons Sense

House of Commons · Petition P002811

Planning permission for telecommunication telegraph pole installation

08 March 2023

Presented 1 time by 1 MP

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

This petition concerning planning permission for telecommunication telegraph pole installation was presented to Parliament once by 1 MP.

Issue summary

Residents of Hull North and across the UK are concerned about telecommunication companies installing telegraph poles without local consultation or residents' permission, citing a lack of planning requirements under current regulations.

Action requested

The petitioners request that the House of Commons urge the Government to make statutory requirements for designated communications network operators to apply for permission from the Local Planning Authority (LPA) before installing telegraph poles and for the LPA to consult with affected residents prior to issuing any permissions.

Key facts

  • Telecommunication companies do not need planning permission under current regulations.
  • Operators provide 28 days’ notice to the LPA but no requirement to inform residents.
  • No obligation on operators to consider alternatives such as underground cabling.
  • Residents first learn of telegraph pole installations when poles appear in their streets or outside their homes.

Presentation timeline

MPs presented this petition on the following dates. Each card shows the presenters and any recorded remarks.

  1. Presented 08 March 2023

    Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

    I rise to present a petition signed by residents of Hull North regarding the installation of telecommunication telegraph polls. Many of my constituents in Hull North, and indeed residents across the country, have found telegraph poles erected close to their homes, outside their front gates or in the middle of the pavement, without their permission or any advance notice. With no requirement for local consultation, there is no opportunity for residents to have their say. This petition reflects the strength of feeling of many residents, both in Hull North and across the country. The situation needs to be challenged. The petitioners therefore “request that the House of Commons urge the Government to make statutory requirements for designated communications network operators to apply for permission to the LPA on any proposed installation of telegraph poles and for the LPA to consult with affected residents before issuing any permissions.

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