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<p>Local planning authorities may charge for providing discretionary services including
pre-application advice under section 93 of the Local Government Act 2003. Authorities
need to consider whether charging is appropriate in all cases, given the potential
for pre-application engagement to save time and improve outcomes later in the process.
Where possible, local planning authorities are strongly encouraged to provide at least
a basic level of service without charge. Local planning authorities are best placed
to deal with issues regarding the service they provide and any approach they may take
where fees for discretionary services are not paid.</p><p>The specific issue of unpaid
fees has not been raised through correspondence or responses to our technical consultation
on amending permitted development rights for electronic communications infrastructure.
However pre-application consultation has been considered in our joint work with local
authorities, mobile network operators and other stakeholders to develop a new Code
of Practice for Wireless Network Development in England. This Code, published in March
2022, encourages mobile network operators to engage with local planning authorities
when deploying mobile infrastructure, including at the pre-application stage of the
planning process.</p>
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