What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to requiring utility companies to directly notify residents before installing new telegraph poles?
The installation of telegraph poles is regulated by the Electronic Communications Code, which is a reserved matter and therefore for the UK Government to consider.
With respect to planning permission for telegraph poles, permitted development rights for telecommunications code operators are set out in Part 24 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. The Order enables undertakers to erect or replace telegraph poles.
In protected landscapes, prior approval must be sought from the local planning authority. The developer is required to confirm they have served notice on the landowner or occupier before the local planning authority will process the request.
There are currently no plans to revise these permitted development rights or the duty to notify owners or occupiers on plans for installation or replacement of telegraph poles.