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Written question asked by Caroline Voaden (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 10 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Thursday, 16 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Aerials: Planning Permission

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment has she made of the case for Government intervention in mobile mast location decisions.

Answer

Decisions on the location of mobile masts are a matter for local planning authorities, who determine planning applications and, where relevant, prior approval applications on matters such as siting and appearance. This provides an opportunity for representations to be made to the local planning authority and that they are able to take local considerations into account alongside the need for mobile infrastructure.

The Government acknowledges industry views that current planning rules can slow the deployment of digital infrastructure. In response, we launched a joint call for evidence with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on proposals to explore whether reforming planning rules for digital infrastructure could support deployment. The government is now considering the responses and will set out next steps in due course.

Our ambition is for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G by 2030; this is commercially led and it is for network operators to define infrastructure deployment plans that align with this.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17895
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Aerials Planning permission Location
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk