Overview

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

Description

The Telecommunications Infrastructure (Consultation) Bill requires code operators (companies installing broadband infrastructure) to notify local planning authorities at least 90 days before installing relevant apparatus in residential areas. This notification must detail the planned installation, including the apparatus type and location.

Local Authority Consultation: Local planning authorities must then consult with local residents through publicized methods, detailing how to provide feedback and setting a clear timeline.

Decision and Reporting: After the consultation period, the local authority must consider resident feedback and decide whether to recommend installation, potentially with conditions. They must report their decision to the code operator.

Code Operator Responsibilities: Code operators must consider the local authority's recommendation. If they reject it, they must provide a written explanation.

Definitions: The bill defines key terms such as "code operator," "local planning authority," "local resident," and "relevant apparatus."

Commencement: The bill will come into force 90 days after it is passed and will apply to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill itself doesn't directly allocate funds. However, the mandatory consultation process may lead to increased administrative costs for local planning authorities. No specific figures are available in this text.

Groups Affected

Code Operators: These companies will face additional procedural requirements, potentially delaying projects.

Local Planning Authorities: Increased workload and administrative costs associated with the consultation process.

Local Residents: They gain the right to have their views considered before broadband infrastructure is installed near their homes.

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