Residents in urban flats often face poor broadband services. Some in the industry have argued that broadband companies should be given easier access to flats. Discussions on access to broadband typically focus on the urban-rural divide, as rural parts of the UK often have poorer connectivity. However, there are pockets of poor broadband provision in many UK towns and cities, primarily in areas with lots of buildings that contain multiple residential properties, from converted houses to large blocks of flats. Read more – House of Commons Library.
To accompany planning application submissions, we produce detailed Broadband Connectivity Assessments and Digital Connectivity Assessments, which are often requested by the council or local planning authority along with the other standard forms and documents. These have been common requests in Bristol and Manchester for sometime, but the requirement is becoming more widespread throughout the UK’s larger cities. For example, in Bristol, BCC’s Broadband Connectivity Practice Note (March 2018) provides guidance, stating:
“The current benchmark against which policy BCS15 should be applied is ‘superfast broadband’, defined by OFCOM as broadband with a download speed greater than 30 megabits per second (mbps).
The requirements of policy BCS15 will be applied to for major development of at least 10 homes (including the conversion of existing buildings to new homes, where planning permission is required) or 1,000m² of non-residential floorspace.
For larger developments of 30 or more new homes, the council will also remind developers of the aspiration set out in this practice note for full fibre technology and the benefits to future occupiers. Although this is not currently a requirement of policy BCS15, this is the level at which some providers will consider providing full fibre solutions free-of-charge to the developer, if given sufficient notice. To comply with policy BCS15:
- Applications for planning permission for major development should be accompanied by evidence of the superfast broadband connectivity of the site. This should take the form of a connectivity assessment, or similar proof, from one or more broadband infrastructure providers evidencing the availability of at least superfast broadband speeds (see section 3.3 below). This can be submitted as part of a sustainability statement accompanying the application.
- Where superfast broadband connectivity is available, the development should include the infrastructure to connect to this service and make it available to occupiers.
- Where superfast broadband connectivity is not currently available:
- Applications should be accompanied by evidence that discussions have been held with a range of providers to upgrade infrastructure to deliver superfast broadband or, for developments of 30 or more homes, full fibre connections.
- Where one or more providers have agreed to provide superfast broadband connectivity, the development should be designed to connect to this service and make it available to occupiers.
Where no provider has agreed to provide superfast broadband connectivity, the development should incorporate additional dedicated telecommunications.”
Bristol City Council’s full Planning Application Requirements Local List (September 2024) can be found here.
By understanding the possible availability of broadband (fibre) before the planning application submission, the developer is better equipped to enable a connection to the site when required. Early work will also inform the developer and the broadband provider about the most optimal locations of any trenches, ducts or access chambers.
Contact us to discuss your requirements. Since 2015, GTech Surveys Limited has provided digital and broadband connectivity assessments and possesses in depth knowledge of the industry and infrastructure. We are also well equipped to provide guidance on the availability of superfast broadband services. Furthermore, GTech Surveys Limited can offer advice on the initial steps to acquire superfast broadband and FTTP infrastructure for proposed and new build development, even where such services are not yet accessible or available.
