Relaxation of planning controls for digital communications infrastructure: consultation responses

Conclusion

99. The 'Industry respondents were fairly consistent in their calls for more PD rights to allow more flexibility in their activities and promote rollout. The one significant area of difference, between MNO and those independent infrastructure providers, was in the provisions of PD rights for new masts and the rollout of prior approval.

100. Views in other respondent groups were much more mixed. There were some themes that emerged, with a wide ranging concern about the ability of prior approval to provide adequate protection with regard to larger developments or development in designated areas, and whether such procedure would be practical and remove burdens from planning authorities.

101. There was little or no consistent or clear cut indication as to what PD rights might be further extended in designated areas or the specific restrictions and conditions that would make such PD rights acceptable in these areas.