PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Broadband: Infrastructure (20 January 2023)

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he plans to make an assessment of the potential impact of using permitted development powers for the installation of (a) fibre optic and (b) 5G (i) poles and (ii) other infrastructure in residential areas on those areas.

Asked by:
Andrew Western (Labour)

We have set a mission that, by 2030, the UK will have nationwide gigabit-capable broadband and 4G coverage, with 5G coverage for the majority of the population. All four mobile network operators launched their 5G networks in 2019, and 5G is now available from at least one mobile network operator outside 77% of premises across the UK. 73% of UK premises can now access gigabit-capable broadband - a significant leap forward from January 2019, when coverage was just 6%.

Changes to permitted development rights were made in Spring 2022 to support the deployment of 5G and extend mobile coverage and will further support progress towards digital connectivity in every part of the country. We are keeping use and impact of the planning changes under review.

Answered by:
Lucy Frazer (Conservative)
25 January 2023