Updates to permitted development rights for electronic communications infrastructure

Following the Government’s consultation outcome on changes to the permitted development rights for electronic communications infrastructure, and their new version of the Code of practice for wireless network development in England, legislative amendments have now also been published.

We have reviewed the online prior approval application we provide for relevant proposals, and found it will continue to be legislatively compliant in its current state. Therefore, applicants, agents, and Local Authorities can continue to use our service for such applications without concern.

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2022, which comes into force on 4 April 2022, fulfils the intentions of the consultation outcome by:

• Increasing the permitted limits on the volume and dimensions of apparatus
• Changing the circumstances in which a prior approval application will need to be made
• Allowing potential issues around siting and visual impact of developments to be managed
• Making sure all relevant parties are aware of certain development in safeguarded areas
• Updating the definition of a ‘small cell system’ to be more widely applicable to wireless technology now and in the future