We believe small businesses across the UK are increasingly harmed by telecommunications infrastructure installed under permitted development rights, often without meaningful consultation or proper consideration of visual impact, access, or long-term commercial harm. We call for Government action.

Such action should include, but not be limited to, amending the Communications Act 2003 and planning rules to prevent telecommunication infrastructure obstructing small businesses, introducing requirement for more extensive consultation in these cases, a review of the impact of Ofcom’s enforcement role, and to fund remediation and compensation for long-term harm for business impacted. We believe the Government should act to ensure infrastructure is deployed proportionately, with proper consultation, clearer enforcement, and fair routes to redress.