Legislation is often rather complex and, just like barristers in a courtroom, companies and people will push its interpretation to suit their own interest rather than what good judgement or common sense would suggest.
The Government wants to have a reasonable balance between local authorities having oversight and control of new developments but without them becoming bogged down in changes that are too small or insignificant to be of concern.
Building an extension to a house should be subject to approval by Bolton Council because of the likelihood of a negative impact upon neighbours but the legislation assumes that fitting solar panels to an existing roof does not. The installation of solar panels will typically come under “permitted development” which means that, with certain restrictions, there is a default approval.
Some telecommunications companies have pushed the interpretation of ‘permitted development’ to breaking point. This applies to huge monopole masts and more conventional telegraph poles. Initially, councils around the country did not know how to respond to the new approach and interpretation of existing rules but they are now getting to grips with it.
Bolton Council have now been able to stop monopoles from being erected and force the contractors to put telecommunications wiring underground in existing networks that have been laid out by other companies.
I have held a series of public meetings to discuss this matter and understand why people are so aggrieved at the wrongful interpretation of rules designed to help people. I have taken those concerns up with the leadership on Bolton Council who have worked hard to challenge the developers. By effectively pushing back, Bolton Council now has far more control over the situation that should have never got so far out of hand.
Do please contact me if you have any concerns or if plans are announced for new telecommunications installations near to you.
