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<p>Telegraph poles play an important role in delivering efficient and cost-effective
coverage and connectivity to communities, particularly in hard to reach areas without
costly and disruptive roadworks, or where existing infrastructure cannot be used.</p><p>
</p><p>Permitted development rights allow telegraph poles and lines to be deployed
without requiring case-by-case approval from the local planning authority, and we
have no plans to introduce legislation to change permitted development rights for
telegraph poles.</p><p> </p><p>However, we are aware of the concerns that residents
in some parts of the country have about the deployment of telegraph poles. There are
existing measures to minimise pole deployment and avoid inappropriate siting, and
we are also taking further action to respond to those concerns.</p><p> </p><p>For
example, the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations
2003 (“the 2003 Regulations”) set out the legal requirements operators must adhere
to.</p><p> </p><p>Already, Local Planning Authorities should be notified 28 days before
poles are installed in many circumstances as set out in the 2003 Regulations, and
can impose conditions on this installation which operators must adhere to provided
that the conditions are reasonable. The 2003 regulations also state that operators
should share infrastructure where practicable.</p><p> </p><p>There is also a Code
of Practice in place, which provides guidance on ways operators can ensure new installations
are placed appropriately, and that local authorities and communities are to be engaged
with regarding proposed installations.</p><p> </p><p>Ofcom can take enforcement action
in respect of breaches of the restrictions and conditions contained in the 2003 regulations.
Ofcom have also stated that they would investigate any cases where poles are sited
in a way which is not consistent with the requirements and guidelines in place – including
where they block residents’ drives or where operators systematically fail to engage
with local planning authorities’ suggestions. We encourage Local Planning Authorities
to make complaints to Ofcom if they feel these criteria apply.</p><p> </p><p>I recently
met with Melanie Dawes, CEO of Ofcom, to discuss this, and to explore ways DSIT and
Ofcom can work together to raise awareness of statutory roles and responsibilities
and ensure better compliance.</p><p> </p><p>I also wrote to all fixed line operators
on 14 March, setting out the government’s concerns and emphasising the importance
of infrastructure sharing. Specifically, I have asked them to do everything possible
to share existing telegraph poles before installing new ones.</p><p> </p><p>Separately,
DSIT is considering how revisions to the Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice
might be delivered to promote better working practices.</p><p> </p><p>I met interested
MPs on Monday 25 March 2024, and I remain keen to hear and understand the concerns
shared by MPs and their constituents. I am also meeting fixed-line operators to discuss
these concerns.</p>
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