Kimmins launches public consultation launched on telecommunications development
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to permitted development rights (PDRs) for mobile network operators.
The consultation recognises the vital role that mobile connectivity plays in supporting economic growth, productivity and opportunity across the North.
The proposed changes have been developed through the Department's involvement in the Department for the Economy's Mobile Action Plan and subsequent Barrier Busting Taskforce, which sought to identify and address barriers to the rollout of mobile connectivity infrastructure.
Improved mobile connectivity is expected to deliver significant economic benefits. A report published by Matrix in November 2023 found that removing barriers to building and upgrading mobile network infrastructure could increase the North’s economy by around £1.4 billion over the next 10 years.
Announcing the consultation the Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said:
“Improving our digital infrastructure is vital to the Norths economy. The planning system has an important role in facilitating the delivery and upgrade of telecommunications infrastructure while ensuring that development is appropriately located and designed to minimise impacts on the environment and local communities."
“I am committed to reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens where it is appropriate to do so. This consultation seeks views on proposals to review current permitted development rights for telecommunications development, with the aim of supporting investment in modern digital infrastructure while maintaining appropriate planning safeguards."
“I encourage all those with an interest in planning matters and digital connectivity to take part in the consultation and share their views.”
The consultation will run for 12 weeks until 5.00pm on 23 December 2026, and the Department welcomes views from all interested parties.
Documents are available at: Review of Permitted Development Rights for Mobile Telecommunications | Department for Infrastructure
Notes to editors:
- PDR allow certain types of development to proceed without the need for planning permission. The proposals relate to Part 18 (Development by Electronic Communications Code Operators) of the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 and form part of the Department's ongoing review of PDRs.
- The DfE led Mobile Action Plan (MAP), published on 23 June 2022 was developed by a cross-sectorial working group which included members from central and local government (including a DfI Planning representative) who consulted with stakeholders including the mobile industry, UK Government and Ofcom.
- The Barrier Busting Taskforce (BBT) was set up by DfE as part of an action from MAP. It has an overarching Oversight Group, chaired by DfE, to oversee the direction of the BBT. It was effectively the delivery vehicle for the actions identified in the MAP which aimed to identify and address the barriers preventing the fast and efficient deployment of mobile connectivity in the North.
- The UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy aims to achieve nationwide, 5G Standalone coverage of all populated areas by 2030. To meet these ambitions, Mobile Network Operators are investing heavily into network infrastructure rollout. VodafoneThree has committed £11 billion and BT/EE are investing £40 billion this decade (The North’s proportion on these investments will run into the many 100s of millions).
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
- Follow the Department on social media: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.