The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the publication of a consultation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport seeking views on changing the permitted development rights in England for structures required to extend mobile phone coverage and to adapt to 5G networks for operators with rights under the Electronic Communications Code.

The report summarised the main changes proposed, and set out initial officer views on the proposed changes.  The Committee were asked to agree the initial response and authorise the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee and the Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport to agree the final representations for submission by the consultation end date of 4 November 2019.

Resolved –

(1)      That the publication of the Proposed Reforms to Permitted Development rights for mobile telecommunications operators be noted;

(2)      That the initial officer commentary on the proposed changes to permitted development rights, as set out in the report, be agreed;

(3)      That the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services, in consultation with the Chair of the Planning Applications Committee and the Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport be authorised to agree the final representations on the consultation.