Overview

This bill mandates local council consultation before installing broadband infrastructure (poles, cabinets, and overhead lines, excluding service lines) in residential areas of England and Wales. It aims to ensure local communities have a voice in the placement of such infrastructure.

Description

The Telecommunications Infrastructure (Consultation) Bill requires code operators (companies installing broadband infrastructure) to notify the local planning authority at least 90 days before installing relevant apparatus in a residential area. This notification must detail the apparatus and its location. The local planning authority is then required to consult with local residents, publicizing the plans and providing a way for residents to comment. Following this consultation, the authority must make a decision on whether to recommend installation, possibly with conditions, and provide a report to the code operator. The code operator must consider this recommendation; if they reject it, they must provide written justification. The Secretary of State may create consequential regulations. The bill defines key terms, including "code operator," "local planning authority," "local resident," and "relevant apparatus."

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly allocate new government funds. However, administrative costs for local planning authorities to conduct consultations will likely increase, although no specific figures are available in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Code operators: They face a mandatory 90-day consultation period before installation, impacting their project timelines and potentially incurring additional costs.
• Local planning authorities: They gain a greater role in the planning process, requiring additional resources for consultation and decision-making.
• Local residents: They gain a voice in the placement of broadband infrastructure in their communities, potentially influencing the location or conditions of installation.

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