Planning reforms an important step in delivering mobile coverage in rural areas

Plans to change planning rules to make it easier to erect mobile masts and other mobile infrastructure have been welcomed by the CLA.

The proposals include a series of changes to provide permitted development rights to make existing masts taller or add additional antennae.

They come in response to complaints from operators that planning restrictions are a major barrier to the roll out of mobile coverage in rural areas.

In 2014 the industry committed to delivering ‘all network’ mobile coverage to 90 per cent of the geographic landmass of the UK by the end of 2017.

Currently mobile phone users can get coverage from all four major networks across 66 percent of the landmass of the UK.

CLA President Ross Murray said: “We welcome these planning changes and will work with Government to ensure that these reforms are implemented as soon as possible.

“It is vital that local planning authorities take their lead from these changes and ensure they are being as constructive as possible in helping providers to put in place the infrastructure that will deliver the mobile coverage communities are crying out for.

“It is also vital that the industry starts to deliver on its promises to rural communities. Rural people are tired of the big promises and weak excuses of recent years.

“It has been over a year since the industry committed to the 90 percent target and the signs of progress are not great.”