Mobile UK, responding to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government’s consultation on protecting the high street and the delivery of new homes, has highlighted industry concerns about the potential impact of new development under new Government proposals on existing mobile infrastructure.

Mobile UK, along with the Government, believes in supporting the high street and the Government’s desire to deliver new homes. However, it is important to note that any redevelopment proposal on the built environment has the potential to disrupt existing mobile connectivity for many months, particularly if apparatus have to be relocated to accommodate a construction proposal.

It is therefore essential for Local Planning Authorities to take into account the potential impact on mobile connectivity as a material consideration in the determination of the Prior Approval application.

Hamish MacLeod, Director at Mobile UK, said:

“New developments must be built in consideration of existing connectivity. Mobile infrastructure is often considered as an afterthought and as such can be impacted by new development. We call on the Government to ensure in its consultation that mobile connectivity becomes a material consideration helping the industry to continue to deliver world-class mobile services.”

Notes to Editors

1. Mobile UK is the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators -  EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
2. Mobile UK's response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's consultation on Protecting the High street and the Delivery of New Homes can be found below: