House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Supporting the Deployment of 5G and Extending Mobile Coverage - Planning Update
07 March 2022 · Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Proposed by Julia Lopez Con Hornchurch and Upminster
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government is publishing its response to a consultation on changes to permitted development rights for electronic communications infrastructure in England.
- Proposed changes aim to facilitate improved mobile coverage and 5G deployment in rural areas.
- Amendments will be made through secondary legislation to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the government's plans to improve and extend mobile coverage in rural areas and deploy 5G technology.
Action requested
The government is publishing its response to a consultation on proposed changes to permitted development rights for electronic communications infrastructure in England. These changes aim to facilitate improved connectivity while ensuring environmental protections are maintained. Amendments will be made through secondary legislation to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.
Key facts
- £1 billion Shared Rural Network deal agreed with mobile network operators.
- £200 million 5G Testbeds and Trials programme already showing benefits.
- Consultation on changes to permitted development rights for electronic communications infrastructure in England reviewed.
- Deployment of small equipment cabinets, strengthening existing masts, deploying building-based masts, and enabling taller new ground-based masts are allowed under certain conditions.
- New Code of Practice for Wireless Network Development in England published alongside the Government response.
- Legislative changes will apply to England only.