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Wireless infrastructure (including mobile networks)

Wireless infrastructure deployment advice for telecommunications operators and other stakeholders.

This page provides guidance and information for telecommunications operators and other stakeholders involved in the deployment of wireless infrastructure including mobile phone base stations within the East Riding of Yorkshire.

View dedicated information for residents.

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Introduction

You can find information for residents further down this page.

The information provides detailed sections on various aspects of the deployment process including:

Our goal is to facilitate the expansion of wireless infrastructure in a way that balances the needs of our community with the technical and logistical requirements of telecommunications operators. By providing clear procedures, standardised agreements, and transparent communication, we aim to support the efficient rollout of advanced wireless networks while ensuring that our residents and businesses remain informed and engaged.

Access to digital services and wireless networks

The importance of digital connectivity

Access to digital services is becoming increasingly important to businesses and consumers across the UK. Digital access is vital for fostering economic growth and the development of a strong local economy, particularly in more remote and rural areas.

In the digital age, the delivery of commercial and public services is rapidly becoming more dependent on high-quality internet access thereby creating a digital divide and leaving numerous residents and businesses without high-speed connectivity. This digital infrastructure, a key component in the execution and delivery of the council’s Digital Strategy was approved by Cabinet on the 12th of October 2021 under Digital Easting Riding, an initiative aiming to bridge these very gaps.

Visit the Digital East Riding website

Wireless networks and infrastructure in the East Riding

Digital connectivity, vital for economic development and service delivery, extends beyond wired broadband, and embraces a broader spectrum that covers wireless networks. In the East Riding of Yorkshire, the vision for digital inclusivity and connectivity is emerging by the combined efforts of telecommunication operators deploying various wireless technologies, including mobile networks operated by EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone alongside Low Power Wide Area Networks facilitating services such as smart metering programmes.

This approach ensures that residents, businesses and visitors have diverse options for accessing vital digital services, aligning with the council's Digital Strategy for inclusive development and enhanced connectivity.

UK government codes of practice and legislation

Regulatory oversight and responsibilities

The deployment of Telecommunications Networks, such as Broadband, 4G, 5G, LP-WAN and other communications infrastructure, is conducted by the telecommunications industry not by the council. Both the equipment and the deployment are regulated by Ofcom and other government and industry bodies in the UK and subject to legislation.

Deployment methods

Telecommunications operators will typically install wireless infrastructure ranging from large lattice masts to medium sized monopole masts to small-cell solutions in a variety of locations including private land, building rooftops, amenity land and more recently by utilising street furniture such as streetlights.

Government guidance and legislative framework

The government has advised local planning authorities that it believes the legislative framework currently in place strikes the right balance between ensuring that not only network deployment can happen at pace, but that installations are carried out in a proportionate way with regard to the impacts on communities.

In 2022, the UK government introduced the ‘Code of practice for wireless network development in England’, offering guidance to Mobile Network Operators, wireless infrastructure providers, local planning authorities, and other stakeholders on best practices for installing wireless infrastructure. It also serves as a resource for community groups and individuals interested in mobile connectivity.

The Electronic Communications Code is the framework that underpins agreements between operators and occupiers regarding the deployment of digital infrastructure on, under or over land.

Operators have statutory rights under the Electronic Communications Code to carry out street works and install apparatus in, on, under or over a street or road, and that some types of apparatus can be installed using permitted development rights, which do not require planning permission from the local planning authority.

However, when exercising their statutory rights to install apparatus, operators must adhere to duties and obligations contained in both the Electronic Communications Code itself, and in its accompanying regulations: the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations 2003, as well as requirements under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 and related legislation.

The council’s role in deployment

In the East Riding of Yorkshire, the council has worked collaboratively with telecommunications operators to:

  • Provide guidance and decisions on planning applications.
  • Provide guidance on permitted developments and respond to notices where required.
  • Support efficient and considered deployments of wireless network infrastructure.
  • Facilitate improved mobile networks coverage and performance.

Telecommunications operator planning advice and guidance

Overview of the planning permission procedure

This section provides information for telecommunications operators on the council’s planning guidance, ensuring operators are well-prepared and informed before submitting their applications. The guidance aims to facilitate a smooth and efficient planning process, promoting clear communication and compliance with planning authority requirements.

Relevant legislation

Section 57 of The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 sets out development that requires planning permission and Part 16 of Schedule 2 of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 covers permitted development rights for electronic communication infrastructure. As the information required by the council is broadly the same for applications for prior approval and for planning permission, these are treated the same for the purposes of this section.

Read more about Section 57 - Legislation.gov.uk

Read more about Schedule 2 - Legislation.gov.uk

Pre-application planning advice and consultation

Meaningful pre-application consultation is highly valuable. It should be seen as a two way partnership between the operator and the local planning authority and, if conducted in this way, it can lead to a more efficient process and better outcomes for all involved.

Request pre-application planning advice.

The operator should seek to provide all necessary information in relation to the proposal at the first available opportunity. At the pre-application consultation stage the operator may provide the following information to the planning authority:

  • an explanation of their needs in a particular area
  • details of the location plan, drawings as existing and as proposed elevations and plans
  • the type of telecommunications equipment or structure intended to be constructed
  • details of any other telecommunications equipment on the building or site
  • the area of search and details of possible alternative options, which may include other methods of providing the required coverage (where appropriate and requested by the planning authority), and;
  • design options, and where required, an outline of measures to mitigate visual impacts for particular sites.

Types of planning permission

There are three types of planning permission that cover the installation of wireless infrastructure, these are:

Option 1 - Permitted development

This information refers to the following application type:

  • Option 1 - Permitted development with the requirement to consult and notify

Not all telecommunications development that benefits from permitted development rights will require the prior approval of the local planning authority. In these cases, the operator must provide the local planning authority with:

  • a written notice of its intention to install
  • a description of the apparatus, and;
  • the proposed installation location.

It can then exercise the permitted development right after 28 days’ notice. This is sometimes referred to as a ‘regulation 5 notification’ or ‘code notification’. The local planning authority may within this period give written notice of conditions with which they wish the operator to comply in respect of the installation of the equipment. Operators should respond positively and promptly to any requests for engagement from local planning authorities and work towards solutions where reasonable concerns are raised about the proposed development.

If an operator wishes to exercise their permitted development rights to install particular apparatus within the scope of Class A of Part 16 of the GPDO, then prior approval is not necessarily required.

Sensitive areas

Within sensitive areas, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) or conservation areas, the operator will be expected to provide evidence of how the visual impact of the development on the site is minimised so far as practicable, taking into account the nature and purposes of the site. In allcases, the operator must explain how the scheme has been designed to avoid harming public safety or causing any obstruction to accesses.

Consultation and engagement

In order to benefit from these permitted development rights it is recognised that consultation and engagement are vital for ensuring the installation of electronic communications infrastructure is carried out in a transparent and appropriate way. The type and level of consultation and engagement required will depend on a number of factors, and should therefore be decided on a case by case basis.

These discussions are important in helping to identify the most appropriate solution for any proposed individual development. Consultation is important for ensuring the appropriate design and siting for wireless infrastructure and should take place early on in the process. Effective consultation also enables the local planning authority to give feedback on the planned installation of wireless infrastructure in a timely manner and provides transparency for the public.

Quality of submissions

High-quality submissions are essential, and this includes ensuring the information provided is of a good standard. The application information should be complete and straightforward. This allows stakeholders with an interest in the development to understand what is being proposed and its likely impact. It will also benefit applicants by avoiding unnecessary time and effort spent explaining the proposals, and can help allay concerns caused by ambiguous and incomplete information. In addition, good quality submissions are likely to result in more timely and better informed decisions.

Duty to consult in sensitive areas

It is important to stress that there is a duty on an operator to consult the local planning authority for development within sensitive areas which goes beyond mere notification. However there are some forms of development where prior approval is required. This is referred to in the next section.

Submission of prior notifications

Telecommunications operators must submit prior notifications electronically through the Planning Portal. Operators must create an account, complete the required forms, and upload supporting documents, such as location plans, equipment specifications, and notices. The operator may provide the following information to the planning authority:

  • an explanation of their needs in a particular area
  • details of the location plan, drawings as existing and as proposed elevations and plans
  • the type of telecommunications equipment or structure intended to be constructed
  • a declaration as to compliance with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines
  • details of any other telecommunications equipment on the building or site
  • the area of search and details of possible alternative options, which may include other methods of providing the required coverage (where appropriate and requested by the planning authority), and;
  • design options, and where required, an outline of measures to mitigate visual impacts for particular sites.

Options 2 and 3 -Prior approval and planning permission

This information refers to the following two types of application options, as the information required for each is largely the same:

  • Option 2 - Permitted development with the requirement for prior approval
  • Option 3 - Planning permission that requires a planning application to be submitted.

Making an application

An application to the planning authority for planning permission or prior approval will normally be made via the Planning Portal:

Planning Portal

Planning legislation sets out validation requirements for applications for planning permission and prior approval applications. National planning policy also states that applications should be supported by the necessary evidence to justify the proposed development. This should include a declaration as to compliance with the ICNIRP guidelines.

Quality of submissions

The quality of information submitted as part of an application for telecommunications development is very important. It should always be clear, accurate and complete. The information should also be site-specific where appropriate. Good quality submissions can help explain to consultees and local people, as well as officers and elected members, exactly what is being proposed and its likely impact. By adopting high standards, unnecessary time and effort in trying to explain proposals can be avoided and help allay concerns that ambiguous and incomplete information can cause.

Additional information required

Operators should provide additional information beyond the statutory requirements where appropriate, including:

  • Drawings - along with the location plan that shows the application site in relation to the surrounding area, operators should consult the relevant local list of information requirements for any additional plans and drawings that will be necessary to describe the proposed development

  • Maps - a map of an appropriate scale should be supplied to highlight all alternative sites that have been considered and discounted, including existing masts and structures

  • Photo montage - a photo montage is helpful to portray the siting and design of the wireless infrastructure, particularly when infrastructure is being installed on a heritage site or in a protected landscape. This will generally consist of a before and after photomontage of the radio base station, fencing, landscaping and access (where applicable), and when requested, a Landscape and Visual Appraisal should be provided

  • Supplementary information - operators should provide supplementary information to their application, a supplementary information template can be found at: GOV.UK - Annex B of the Code of Practice

Deployment to council assets

This section outlines the council’s procedures for telecommunications operators seeking to deploy equipment on council assets.

While we are dedicated to supporting the expansion of digital infrastructure across our county, we also prioritise the needs and expectations of our residents, local businesses, and the broader community.

We collaborate closely with operators to align their work with our community values. Open and transparent communication is key to this process, ensuring that residents and businesses are informed and involved every step of the way.

Standard rental agreements

The council working with various industry stakeholders have produced a standard set of rental agreement for use of council assets.

We recognise that rental agreement negotiations are very time consuming and could be costly for both parties. To significantly reduce this time and therefore encourage roll outs, we have standardised the process as much as is possible.

We have created the following rental agreement templates:

  • Streetlight Agreement
  • Rooftop Lease
  • Land Lease.

These will be made available to a telecommunications provider when they make an enquiry on rental of our council assets.

These templates were created to minimise the negotiation period and can be changed to reach an agreement that work for both parties. Therefore should the templates not meet your requirements then please make your suggested changes as tracked changes on the document.

It is likely that any suggested changes to the standard section within the template will involve a review by the council's asset management, valuation and estates, and legal teams and therefore may elongate timescales.

Fees and charging structure

The introduction of the Electronic Communication Code changed the charging structure for the hosting of telecoms equipment. As the code is not prescriptive, the council have interpreted the code to come up with what 'consideration and compensation' means for our organisation.

The most important message is that the method is designed to expedite the process and be clear and consistent. This will allow operators to commit with confidence knowing the assets can and will be acquired for a fair and well considered price. These will be made available to a telecommunications provider when they make an enquiry on rental of our council assets.

Make an enquiry

The 'Make an enquiry' section aims to facilitate engagement with telecommunications companies through interest submission forms and process guides for rental of council assets, including land, buildings and street furniture.

Land and buildings enquiries

For rental of land or buildings you will need to consult the valuation and estates section, who will handle the enquiry.

Find out how to get in touch with the valuation and estates team.

Streetlight rental enquiries

For streetlight rental enquiries please complete the online form below:

Streetlight Rental Enquiry Form

Information for residents

We understand that residents may have concerns about new wireless infrastructure, such as mobile phone masts and other equipment, being installed in their area. Here’s what you need to know:

Where will the equipment be placed?

Mobile networks need to install equipment in different locations, such as on rooftops, streetlights, and open land, to improve coverage. The placement is chosen based on the need for better mobile signals while following government rules on minimising the impact on communities.

Will I have a say in where these masts go?

Some installations require approval from the council, while others do not. When planning permission is needed, the public may have the opportunity to comment. In sensitive areas, such as conservation areas, extra care is taken to minimise visual impact.

Will this change how my area looks?

Where possible, new equipment is designed to blend in with its surroundings. If a mast or other structure is planned in your area.

Will it affect property prices?

There is no clear evidence that mobile infrastructure negatively impacts house prices. However, better mobile and internet services are often seen as a benefit, making an area more attractive to buyers.

Will this improve my mobile phone services?

One of the main reasons for mobile network operators installing new equipment is to improve mobile phone coverage, reduce dropped calls, and provide faster internet speeds. This is especially important in rural areas where coverage can be patchy.

What about the environment?

Operators are encouraged to minimise disruption to the local environment and wildlife when installing infrastructure. If you have concerns about a specific site, you can raise them with the mobile network provider.

Will this affect my health?

All wireless infrastructure in the UK must meet strict safety standards set by independent health and science experts. The equipment used follows national and international guidelines to ensure there are no harmful effects on public health.

You can find more information on government safety advice at GOV.UK:

GOV.UK - Government Electromagnetic Fields Guidance

Who do I contact if I have concerns?

Planning issues and location

For concerns about planning and location, these should be raised during the planning process. Find out how to view and comment on planning applications.

Poor network coverage

You should report poor coverage or service issues to your mobile phone service provider as soon as possible and try to describe the fault. Talk through the checks you have already carried out and explain how the problem is affecting your use of the service. You might need to explain:

  • the times of day and locations where you are affected
  • whether it affects voice, text and data; and
  • whether it is intermittent or continual.

You can find out more information on Mobile Network Operator coverage in our region via the Ofcom website:

Ofcom coverage checker

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