UK Telecommunications Planning Policies & Electronic Interference

Published local validation checklist

Blackpool: full-fibre broadband statement

Reference: Major and minor scale proposals (non-residential).

Submission trigger: Major and minor non-residential proposals, excluding changes of use.

Supporting evidence: Explain how the scheme will provide full-fibre broadband, or give reasons why it cannot be delivered. The checklist applies this requirement to both major and minor non-residential proposals; it does not list it under the residential headings.

GTech support: GTech can assess available networks and prepare proportionate connectivity evidence for the proposed development.

Council local validation checklist →

Entry reviewed 17 October 2026.

Council-published checklist — revised January 2020

Manchester: Broadband Connectivity Assessment

Reference: Full, Outline, Reserved Matters and Variation/Removal of Conditions checklist, page 3.

Submission trigger: New-build residential development; confirm the evidence needed for the application.

Supporting evidence: The Broadband Connectivity Assessment item says new-build housing must include measures enabling digital connections, with reference to the government’s Data Ducting Infrastructure Guidance. It appears under additional information that may be requested. This is separate from Manchester’s TV/radio reception requirement.

GTech support: GTech can assess available networks and prepare proportionate connectivity evidence for the proposed development.

Council checklist, page 3 → · Council checklist publication page →

Entry reviewed 17 October 2026.

Adopted validation requirements — March 2025

Milton Keynes: Digital Connectivity Statement

Reference: Planning Application Validation Requirements, paragraphs 4.3 and 5.6; Annex B, page 70; Plan:MK CT9.

Submission trigger: Proposals creating new commercial or residential premises, in the full and outline application sections.

Supporting evidence: Set out the approach to supplying each new property with superfast fibre broadband. The current council publication links the March 2025 requirements, replacing the older March 2023 version found in some searches. Check the relevant application-type section for the submission.

GTech support: GTech can assess available networks and prepare proportionate connectivity evidence for the proposed development.

March 2025 requirements → · Council publication and adoption information →

Entry reviewed 17 October 2026.

Published council submission guidance

Newcastle upon Tyne: Digital Infrastructure Statement

Reference: DM35 developer process note, Part 2: Meeting the Council’s Planning Requirements.

Submission trigger: Major planning applications, including residential and commercial development.

Supporting evidence: Describe provider engagement, the connection technology and on-site works needed for service when units are occupied. The statement may form part of the Planning Statement or Design and Access Statement. For outline applications, commit to later details and explain when and how providers will be consulted.

GTech support: GTech can assess available networks and prepare proportionate connectivity evidence for the proposed development.

Council developer process note → · Council application guidance →

Entry reviewed 17 October 2026.

Published validation checklist — March 2025

Stockton-on-Tees: Connectivity Statement (Broadband)

Reference: National and Local Validation Requirements List, item 36, PDF page 21; policies SD6 and TI3.

Submission trigger: All new development, where appropriate; agree applicability with the council.

Supporting evidence: Explain the scheme’s broadband needs, nearby data networks and expected speeds, and the infrastructure that will connect the development to those networks or contribute to them. Retain the checklist’s qualification ‘where appropriate’; this is not an unconditional requirement for every application.

GTech support: GTech can assess available networks and prepare proportionate connectivity evidence for the proposed development.

Council validation checklist, item 36 →

Entry reviewed 17 October 2026.

Recommended supporting document — reviewed May 2026

Warwick District: Connectivity Statement — recommended evidence

Reference: Local Validation List, section 4, page 29; policy BE5.

Submission guidance: Residential and commercial applications — recommended, rather than required for validation.

Recommended evidence: Show how the site will provide infrastructure, including open-access ducting to industry standards, for fibre broadband. Section 4 expressly distinguishes these recommended documents from validation requirements, although the council may need them during assessment. Early submission can help avoid delays or additional conditions.

GTech support: GTech can assess available networks and prepare proportionate connectivity evidence for the proposed development.

Council list, recommended documents on page 29 →

Entry reviewed 17 October 2026.

Published local list — September 2024

Bristol: Broadband Connectivity Assessment

Reference: Local List, item 16b; printed pages 9 and 20–21.

Submission trigger: All major development.

Required evidence: Provide evidence from broadband infrastructure providers showing the connectivity available at the site and how occupiers will connect. Where suitable service is unavailable, document provider discussions and proposals for an upgrade; where no provider agrees to deliver it, explain the provision of dedicated ducting for a future connection.

GTech support: GTech can assess available networks, identify delivery constraints and prepare the supporting connectivity evidence.

Council local list, item 16b →

Entry reviewed 17 October 2026.

Approved validation criteria — 24 March 2026

Bury: Digital Connectivity Statement

Reference: March 2026 Checklist Criteria, item 31; committee approval recorded under PCC.8.

Submission trigger: New buildings and changes of use, covering both minor and major development.

Required evidence: Explain how the proposal responds to Places for Everyone policy JP-C2 and relevant local-plan or supplementary guidance. The March 2026 review combines the council’s local and Places for Everyone checklists.

GTech support: GTech can assess connectivity options and prepare evidence addressing the applicable digital-infrastructure requirements.

March 2026 criteria, item 31 → · Committee decision, PCC.8 →

Entry reviewed 17 October 2026.

Published local validation list — May 2026

Croydon: TV, mobile and radio reception impact assessment

Reference: Development Type table, TV/Radio Reception Impact Assessment, printed page 29.

Submission trigger: Tall-building proposals, applying the council’s definition and the relevant development-plan context.

Required evidence: Assess effects on television, mobile-phone services including 5G, and radio reception. The submission should record consultation with relevant providers and explain mitigation for identified effects. This is an impact-assessment requirement, distinct from providing broadband to the new development.

GTech support: GTech can scope reception surveys, model interference and support provider consultation and mitigation.

May 2026 validation list → · Council submission guidance →

Entry reviewed 17 October 2026.

Published council validation checklist — February 2024 file

Rugby Borough: Broadband Statement

Reference: Validation Checklist, item 6.7, PDF page 37; policy basis SDC9, Rugby Borough Local Plan 2019.

Submission trigger: All major development proposals.

Required evidence: Explain how the development will support broadband infrastructure and secure suitable service levels for its users. The council’s application guidance directs applicants to the Validation and Sustainability Checklists.

GTech support: GTech can review nearby infrastructure, assess connection options and prepare a proportionate Broadband Statement. Assess interference with existing networks separately where the proposal could affect them.

Council checklist, item 6.7 → · Council checklist publication page →

Entry reviewed 17 October 2026.

Published updated Local List — July 2026

Stratford-on-Avon: Connectivity Statement

Reference: Planning Application Local List, Connectivity Statement, policy CS.26; printed page 9.

Submission trigger: All new major developments.

Required evidence: Describe the project’s connectivity needs, nearby data networks and expected speeds, and how it will connect to or support those networks. The checklist covers fibre and other high-speed broadband infrastructure, including relevant fixed and wireless options.

GTech support: GTech can examine network availability, assess practical connection arrangements and prepare the submission evidence.

July 2026 Local List → · Council update and publication page →

Entry reviewed 17 October 2026.

January 2025 checklist requirement — latest council copy awaiting recheck

Trafford: Digital Connectivity Statement

Reference: Application Validation Checklist, adopted January 2025; Digital Connectivity Statement.

Submission trigger: New buildings, minor and major, residential and non-residential, and changes of use.

Required evidence: Explain provision of full-fibre connections, or substantiate technical or viability constraints. Address suitable ducting and arrangements to make connections available when the development is occupied.

Verification note: The requirement is corroborated by published application evidence and the council’s consultation text. The latest adopted council PDF could not be rechecked on 17 October 2026; confirm the operative checklist before submission. The consultation PDF linked below is historical, not the adopted checklist.

Council checklist download — confirm latest version → · Historical council consultation text →

Entry reviewed 17 October 2026.

Adopted local policy / supplementary guidance

Belfast: tall buildings and broadcast services

Reference: DES3 criterion (h)/(8); Tall Buildings SPG 5.8.2 and 6.1.1

Developer responsibility: Demonstrate no unacceptable interference with telecoms, TV or radio transmission networks. The SPG calls for wireless-service effects to be considered early and assessed before development, so mitigation can be addressed at planning stage; Ofcom consultation may be relevant. Applications meeting the DES3 trigger also require a Tall Building Design Statement explaining compliance with the policy criteria.

Addresses unacceptable interference with telecommunications, television and radio networks, alongside aviation requirements. Belfast’s definition includes 35m AOD or buildings significantly higher than their surroundings.

For your development: Do not confuse AOD with height above ground; undertake relevant wireless-service studies during design.

Read the official source →

Adopted local development plan and validation guidance

Belfast: telecommunications

Reference: Plan Strategy ITU1; supporting-statement checklist

Belfast adopted its Plan Strategy in May 2023. ITU1 covers telecoms development; the 2025 checklist calls for a supporting statement addressing its criteria, including technical justification and mast-sharing investigation.

For your development: For masts, antennas and base stations: supply the required statement.

Read the official source →

Emerging local plan; consultation closed

Birmingham Local Plan: Publication Plan 2026

Reference: Plan to 2044

Consultation ran 13 August–24 September 2026; examination is expected in 2027. It has not replaced adopted policy.

For your development: Check the emerging tall-building, infrastructure and renewable-energy provisions and subsequent modifications for the site.

Read the official source →

Published local information requirements

Birmingham: application information

Reference: Telecommunications and tall-building supporting information

The Council’s published requirements identify technical justification and consultation information for mast, antenna and kiosk proposals. Older references within a checklist do not replace current policy.

For your development: Confirm the latest checklist and provide proportionate technical evidence.

Read the official source →

Adopted supplementary planning document

Birmingham: design and tall buildings

Reference: Birmingham Design Guide, adopted 6 September 2022

The contemporary design guidance should lead the page’s Birmingham entry. The 2003 High Places document and a 2016 press report should not be used as the principal current-policy source.

For your development: Review the Design Guide’s tall-building requirements, current development plan and airport/NATS consultation needs.

Read the official source →

Adopted local development plan — 24 February 2022

Brent BD2: protecting telecommunications from tall buildings

Reference: Brent Local Plan 2019–2041, BD2 and supporting paragraph 6.1.19(b)

Trigger: BD2 addresses tall buildings, defined locally as more than 30m above ground level. The separate validation checklist also captures proposals significantly taller than their surroundings.

Developer responsibility: The functional-impact explanation requires no adverse effect on telecommunications, alongside aviation, navigation and solar energy generation. A development’s own broadband provision does not answer the question of effects on existing networks.

GTech assessment approach: Consider microwave paths, mobile installations and broadcast reception as relevant; document construction effects, operator liaison and mitigation. Read BD2 with London Plan D9 and SI6, and submit the required reception assessment when the validation trigger is met.

Official adopted Local Plan

Published validation requirement

Brent: TV/radio reception assessments

Reference: Full/outline/technical-details consent checklist

Calls for a TV/Radio Reception Assessment for buildings 30m high or taller, or proposals significantly taller than their surroundings.

For your development: Provide the assessment at submission where triggered; consider both existing reception and proposed mitigation.

Read the official source →

Adopted local development plan — July 2018

Burnley CC3: television, broadband, telecommunications and radar

Reference: CC3(1)(f) and (g), Wind Energy Development

Trigger: Wind-energy development.

Developer responsibility: Criterion (g) requires no unacceptable effect on television or broadband reception or other telecommunications. Criterion (f) separately protects commercial and military aircraft radar and the safeguarded Met Office site at Hameldon Hill.

GTech assessment approach: Address broadcast reception, relevant fixed links and mobile networks separately from aviation and weather radar. Explain the assessed turbine envelope, receptors, consultation, mitigation and remaining effects.

Policy currency: These are the adopted local interference criteria. Older surrounding explanatory references to national wind-policy restrictions must be read against the current NPPF; they are not repeated here as current national requirements.

Official adopted policy

Emerging local plan under examination

City of London: City Plan 2040

Reference: Examination documents and modifications

The plan remains in the examination/adoption process at the review date; official September 2026 updates anticipate adoption by year-end.

For your development: Review current and proposed tall-building and infrastructure policy, taking account of modifications. Do not describe anticipated adoption as completed.

Read the official source →

Current national policy

Clean energy and electricity networks

Reference: W1, W2 and W3

W1 and W2 address infrastructure planning and renewable-energy opportunities. W3 gives substantial weight to renewable and low-carbon energy benefits, including repowering and life extension. Technical impacts still need assessment against applicable policies.

For your development: For wind, solar, storage and grid projects: set out benefits and resolve relevant communications and safeguarding constraints early.

Read the official source →

Current national policy

CO1: telecommunications infrastructure

Reference: CO1(1)(a)–(d) and CO1(2)

Supports network coverage, capacity, reliability and resilience; favours use or upgrading of existing sites where reasonable. Requires careful siting, ICNIRP compliance and avoidance of significant, irremediable interference with electrical equipment, air traffic services or nationally important instrumentation. It does not establish a blanket separation distance.

For your development: For masts, rooftop installations and network upgrades: demonstrate site selection, technical constraints and interference compatibility.

Read the official source →

Current national policy

CO2: supporting information

Reference: CO2(1)(a)–(c)

Sets out relevant consultation, alternative-site evidence and evidence of compliance with CO1 radiation and interference provisions, including prior-approval proposals.

For your development: Provide a proportionate supporting statement, consultation record and relevant technical evidence.

Read the official source →

Published implementation guidance

Digital Connectivity Infrastructure London Plan Guidance

Reference: Published guidance supporting SI6

Explains connectivity provision, avoidance of interference with existing infrastructure and integration into the public realm. Read alongside Part R where building-regulation requirements apply.

For your development: Identify affected network assets and engage with providers early; document service continuity and mitigation.

Read the official source →

Published national guidance

Digital telecommunications planning guidance

Reference: 20 December 2023

Explains planning procedures, collaboration and siting/design considerations. It replaces PAN 62: Radio Telecommunications.

For your development: Use the 2023 guidance for telecoms applications and early discussions with planning authorities.

Read the official source →

Emerging strategic plan; consultation closed 15 October 2026

Draft London Plan 2026: tall buildings

Reference: MBUL3(B)(4)(viii)–(ix)

Trigger: The development-management criteria apply to proposals 30m and above, approximately ten storeys and above, in all locations. This is distinct from the adopted D9 definition and MBUL4’s separate engagement provisions.

Developer responsibility proposed: The building, including during construction, should not interfere with telecommunications, aviation or navigation. Adjoining solar generation has a separate criterion.

GTech assessment approach: Assess the proposed massing, rooftop structures and temporary construction envelope against affected networks; identify operators and demonstrate avoidance or mitigation. Record compliance with adopted policies separately from the draft, whose weight depends on its stage, objections and consistency with national policy.

For development 30m and above, proposes protection of aviation, navigation and telecommunications during construction as well as operation, and protection of adjoining solar generation.

For your development: Review the building envelope, rooftop equipment and construction programme against both adopted D9 and the draft.

Read the official source →

Emerging strategic plan

Draft London Plan 2026: utilities and continuity

Reference: MBUL4; Digital specifications; paragraphs 2.60–2.67; Table 2.3

Developer responsibility proposed: Consider line-of-sight impacts on nearby rooftop mobile masts for tall buildings over 30m, the positioning and fabric of buildings, and continuity of service, including signal quality, where existing infrastructure is incorporated.

Separate engagement trigger: Table 2.3 identifies referable development or development otherwise affecting existing fixed digital infrastructure, including schemes over 18m, for engagement with mobile operators through dedicated inboxes. Do not substitute the 30m tall-building threshold for this engagement provision.

Whole-system approach: Paragraph 2.60 addresses connectivity deficiencies and fibre routing through and beyond a site. Ducting, access, masts and boosting measures should be considered together. This is emerging policy, not an adopted requirement.

Proposes integrated utilities planning, connectivity and resilience. Digital specifications identify line-of-sight interference assessment for nearby rooftop mobile masts for tall buildings over 30m. Paragraph 2.66 expects arrangements for service continuity before Notices to Quit are issued, through construction and beyond, in dialogue with providers.

For your development: Assess obstruction of neighbouring sites and relocation of on-site apparatus. Consultation ran from 16 July to 15 October 2026 and closed at 5pm.

Read the official source →

Emerging strategic plan — Draft London Plan, 16 July 2026

Draft London Plan MBUL6: coordinated digital infrastructure

Reference: MBUL6 C(1)–(3), High quality design for a growing, changing city

Scope: All local plans and development proposals; no tall-building height threshold applies to the policy as a whole.

Developer responsibility proposed: Infrastructure should combine functions and security with mitigation of potential adverse amenity and surrounding-area effects. Digital infrastructure should include ducting and access supporting future connections, maintenance and updating. Installation should follow a coordinated dig-once approach during construction.

Relationship to interference: This supports integrated delivery and mitigation; MBUL3 and MBUL4 provide the more specific tall-building interference, engagement and service-continuity provisions. MBUL6 should not be presented as a standalone universal requirement for a microwave-link study.

Official draft policy

Adopted local development plan — Local Plan Update 2025

East Riding EC5: energy development affecting telecommunications

Reference: EC5 A(3)(iv); supporting paragraphs 6.83–6.84

Trigger: Energy-sector development within EC5’s scope and its associated infrastructure.

Developer responsibility: Address effects on telecommunications and other networks, electromagnetic production and interference, and aeronautical systems including radar. Significant adverse impacts must be satisfactorily addressed and the residual harm weighed against wider benefits.

GTech assessment approach: Identify radio, TV, telecoms and emergency-service receptors; assess physical and electromagnetic effects and relevant cumulative development; consult the affected operators and safeguarding bodies; and set out mitigation. The supporting explanation discusses wind-turbine interference and relevant consultation. Do not rely on the policy’s general support for energy development as evidence that network impacts are acceptable.

Official adopted Strategy Document

Land-rights framework

Electronic Communications Code

Reference: Ofcom overview of rights and obligations

Regulates rights relating to installation and maintenance of communications apparatus on land. It has a different role from planning consent.

For your development: Where redevelopment affects rooftop equipment, coordinate relocation/service continuity with providers and obtain appropriate land-rights advice.

Read the official source →

Designated National Policy Statement

EN-1: overarching energy policy

Reference: Section 5.5, especially 5.5.38–45 and 5.5.51–63

Applicant assessment: Where energy infrastructure may affect civil or military CNS, weather radar or other defence assets, set out potential effects in the Environmental Statement. Consult the MOD, Met Office, CAA, NATS and affected aerodromes as relevant; consider cumulative effects and electrical or electromagnetic interference near CNS infrastructure.

Applicant action: Include mitigation within the development and inform consultees promptly of relevant proposal changes. Decision-making considers whether impacts have been addressed and realistic mitigation secured.

Scope: Use EN-1 for the consent routes and infrastructure covered by the NPS framework, or as a material consideration where appropriate. Its CNS provisions should not be described as a universal commercial microwave-link assessment rule.

Addresses aviation, defence and communications, navigation and surveillance systems. Wind turbines can affect radar and navigation equipment; electrical noise from energy infrastructure can also affect defence systems. Future radar improvements should not simply be assumed to solve a project’s impacts.

For your development: Screen airport, NATS, MOD and other technical interests; agree assessment scope and workable mitigation.

Read the official source →

Designated National Policy Statement

EN-3: renewable-energy infrastructure

Reference: Technology-specific assessment; offshore wind 2.8.167–173

Adds renewable-technology requirements to EN-1. Offshore wind may interact with existing telecommunications infrastructure and other sea users; early engagement and assessment of effects through the project lifecycle are important.

For your development: Include relevant offshore assets and shore connections in consultation and assessment. For solar, assess relevant glint/glare separately from radio-frequency interference.

Read the official source →

Designated National Policy Statement

EN-5: electricity networks

Reference: Sections 1.4, 2.1 and electric/magnetic-field provisions

Applies with EN-1 to relevant electricity-network infrastructure, including substations and associated works. Its electric and magnetic field provisions concern a different issue from reception interference or physical obstruction of a microwave link.

For your development: Keep EMF compliance, electromagnetic compatibility and radio-link obstruction as separate assessment topics.

Read the official source →

Reform watchlist; closed call for evidence

England: digital-infrastructure planning reform

Reference: Issued 18 December 2025; closed 26 February 2026

Considered targeted changes to permitted-development rules and guidance for fixed and mobile infrastructure. Consultation proposals are not themselves permission or operative rules.

For your development: Check for enacted changes before relying on proposed mast, rooftop or small-cell allowances.

Read the official source →

Reform watchlist; closed consultation

Eskdalemuir: further wind-interference reforms

Reference: 2026 proposals for legislation, planning guidance and algorithms

Consultation closed 5 August 2026. Proposed further changes should be distinguished from MOD’s safeguarding approach adopted with effect from 18 March 2026. This is seismic interference, a related wind constraint rather than telecoms interference.

For your development: For affected wind proposals: confirm the operative MOD approach and accepted calculation method.

Read the official source →

Adopted national development plan

Future Wales: digital communications

Reference: Policy 13: Supporting Digital Communications

Supports digital communications and gigabit-capable connectivity within Wales’ national spatial framework.

For your development: Assess digital provision alongside the applicable local development plan and infrastructure requirements.

Read the official source →

Adopted national development plan

Future Wales: renewable energy

Reference: Policies 17 and 18

Sets the national approach to renewable and low-carbon energy. Policy 18 includes an unacceptable-effects test encompassing electromagnetic disturbance.

For your development: For larger wind/solar proposals: identify communications receptors and evidence that relevant effects are acceptable or mitigated.

Read the official source →

Adopted joint development plan — effective 21 March 2024

Greater Manchester Places for Everyone: JP-C2 Digital Connectivity

Geographical coverage: Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan. Stockport is outside this joint plan.

Reference: Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan 2022–2039, policy JP-C2, printed pages 218–219.

Developer responsibility: New development is required to have full-fibre connections unless technically infeasible and/or unviable. Provide multiple ducting compliant with telecommunications standards to support future gigabit-capable connections. The policy expects connections to be operational and accessible to network providers when occupiers move in.

Further considerations: Support latest-generation mobile coverage while protecting townscape quality and accommodating technological change; facilitate free secure high-speed public Wi-Fi, particularly in busy areas.

Evidence: Demonstrate deliverable infrastructure or substantiate any claimed technical or viability exception. Check each council’s validation list separately: an adopted policy obligation and a mandatory submission document have different roles. GTech digital and broadband connectivity assessments can support this evidence.

Adopted JP-C2, pages 218–219 →

Adopted supplementary guidance; read with NPF4

Highland: onshore wind guidance

Reference: November 2016 guidance and December 2017 addendum

The Council lists this suite as part of its development plan. It supplies local wind-energy assessment context; newer national policy must also be considered.

For your development: Check the relevant Highland plan and guidance for the site. Do not substitute the former Highland Renewable Energy Strategy, which ceased being a material consideration in 2016.

Read the official source →

Adopted strategic development plan

London Plan: digital connectivity

Reference: SI6 A(1)–(4) and B: Digital connectivity infrastructure

Developer responsibility — existing services: A(3) requires proposals to avoid reducing mobile connectivity in surrounding areas; where avoidance is not possible, the reduction requires mitigation. This is an off-site protection requirement, distinct from providing connectivity to the development itself.

Other requirements: A(1) addresses full-fibre ducting or an affordable alternative 1GB/s-capable connection for all end users; A(2) addresses mobile demand generated by the proposal; A(4) supports suitable rooftop and public-realm mobile infrastructure. Part B concerns development-plan support for full-fibre or equivalent infrastructure, especially connectivity gaps and digital-access barriers.

GTech assessment approach: Identify surrounding mobile services, examine obstruction and loss of coverage, consult affected operators and explain avoidance or workable mitigation. The policy does not prescribe one universal separation distance.

Addresses connectivity for new development, capacity and coverage, and protection of existing digital infrastructure. A development’s effect on services outside its own boundary can matter.

For your development: For residential, commercial and mixed-use schemes: consider fixed and mobile services, ducting, roof infrastructure and surrounding users.

Read the official source →

Adopted strategic development plan

London Plan: tall buildings

Reference: D9(A) and D9(C)(2)(f)

Trigger: Local plans define tall buildings for their context. D9(A) sets a minimum definition of six storeys or 18m, measured from ground to the floor level of the uppermost storey; this is not a universal 18m assessment trigger.

Developer responsibility: The functional-impact test covers telecommunications interference from both the building and its construction. Cranes and temporary structures therefore belong in the assessment alongside the final envelope. Aviation, navigation and adjoining solar generation are separate related tests.

GTech assessment approach: Examine affected paths and rooftop installations, construction stages, operator consultation and mitigation before the application is determined.

Requires buildings, including construction, to avoid interference with aviation, navigation and telecommunications, and significant detrimental effects on solar generation on adjoining buildings.

For your development: Assess the completed building, cranes and temporary works, with TV/radio, mobile and microwave studies where relevant.

Read the official source →

Emerging local plan; consultation closed

Manchester Local Plan: Publication Draft 2026

Reference: Regulation 19 publication stage

Consultation closed 28 September 2026. The Council is reviewing representations before submission and examination. The draft is not yet the adopted replacement for the Core Strategy.

For your development: For Manchester schemes, review the latest proposed design, infrastructure and energy policies as well as existing requirements.

Read the official source →

Adopted Core Strategy pending replacement

Manchester: tall buildings

Reference: Core Strategy EN2; related development-management policies

EN2 provides the local tall-building policy context. The emerging Local Plan has not yet replaced the Core Strategy at the review date.

For your development: Combine the policy review with reception, communications and airport/NATS safeguarding assessment where relevant.

Read the official source →

Published application-validation checklist

Manchester: television/radio reception evidence

Reference: Television Reception and Tall Buildings entries

The Council’s published checklist requests a report where development may interfere with TV/radio reception, and identifies supporting information for tall buildings. Some national-policy references in the document are old.

For your development: Confirm the current validation requirements for the actual application; scope baseline surveys, impact assessment and mitigation with the authority.

Read the official source →

Published supporting guidance

Mobile phone network development for Wales

Reference: 2021 Code of Best Practice

Covers engagement and good practice in developing mobile infrastructure. Its historical references to TAN 19 must be read in light of TAN 19’s revocation.

For your development: Support network proposals with consultation, siting and design evidence.

Read the official source →

Current national policy

National Planning Policy Framework 2026

Reference: Published 17 August 2026; accessible version 29 September 2026

The current Framework replaces December 2024. Communications provisions now use policy codes CO1 and CO2 in Chapter 9, rather than the former Chapter 10 paragraph numbering.

For your development: Use current references in planning statements and assessment reports.

Read the official source →

Adopted national development-plan policy

NPF4: digital infrastructure

Reference: Policy 24(a)–(e), especially 24(e)(iii)

Supports appropriate digital infrastructure and improved connectivity. Addresses siting, visual impacts and alternatives to new masts; proposals must not physically obstruct aerodrome operations, technical sites or existing transmitter/receiver facilities.

For your development: For telecoms proposals: explain technical constraints and demonstrate compatibility with safeguarded facilities.

Read the official source →

Adopted national development-plan policy

NPF4: energy and interference

Reference: Policy 11(e)(iv), (v) and (xiii)

Developer responsibility: Design and mitigation for energy proposals must demonstrate how telecoms and broadcasting effects are addressed, with particular protection of transmission links under (v). Aviation and defence interests fall under (iv); cumulative impacts under (xiii).

GTech assessment approach: Identify affected installations and links, assess the project envelope and relevant cumulative schemes, and demonstrate avoidance or workable mitigation. For turbines, assess blades as well as tower locations. This direct energy-development test is distinct from NPF4 Policy 24’s criteria for new digital infrastructure.

Energy-project design and mitigation must address aviation and defence interests, telecommunications and broadcasting installations, protection of transmission links, and cumulative impacts.

For your development: For wind farms and other energy developments: assess link and broadcast effects, consult affected interests and document mitigation.

Read the official source →

Adopted national development-plan policy

NPF4: infrastructure first and health/safety

Reference: Policies 18 and 23

Provides related infrastructure and safety context. These policies should be read with the specific requirements of Policies 11 and 24 rather than treated as independent universal telecoms-assessment triggers.

For your development: Identify the applicable local development plan and any site-specific safeguards.

Read the official source →

Current national policy

NPPF implementation and transition

Reference: Annex A, particularly paragraphs 1–8

The new Framework applies to decision-making, while some plans remain subject to December 2024 plan-making provisions through transitional arrangements. Older adopted local policies are not automatically discarded because of their age.

For your development: Identify whether a reference concerns a planning decision or preparation of a particular plan; do not delete historic versions needed to explain a transition.

Read the official source →

Current national policy

P1: protecting existing activities in plan-making

Reference: NPPF 2026, P1(1)(a)(iv) and (c)

Development plans should avoid unreasonable restrictions on existing operations and reflect relevant safeguarding areas.

Read the official source →

Current national policy

P4: development affecting existing communications networks

Reference: NPPF 2026, Chapter 17, P4(1)–(3)

Trigger: New construction or changes of use affecting an established activity; P4(3) expressly includes interference with electronic communications networks. Both lawful current and permitted operation matter.

Developer responsibility: P4(1) protects existing activities from unreasonable restrictions resulting from later development and expects effective integration with surrounding activities and infrastructure.

Read the direction of impact carefully: P4(2) specifically addresses significant adverse effects from an existing activity on new development, with early discussion, mitigation before occupation and securing measures by conditions or obligations. P4(3) extends the policy’s application to new-development interference with networks; it should not be reduced to a noise policy.

GTech assessment approach: Identify established services and their permitted operation, test the relevant interference mechanism and demonstrate a practical avoidance or mitigation strategy supported by operator engagement.

P4 protects existing activities against unreasonable operational restrictions from later development. P4(3) expressly covers electronic communications networks, new construction and changes of use, taking account of lawful current and permitted operation. This is a direct policy basis for assessing a building, turbine or redevelopment affecting an existing network; CO1/CO2 address telecoms infrastructure proposals. Identify affected operations, consult operators and assess interference and mitigation. P4(2) separately addresses existing activities adversely affecting a proposed development, including mitigation before occupation.

Read the official source →

Current national policy

P5: public safety and safeguarded facilities

Reference: NPPF 2026, P5(1)(d)

Development in relevant safeguarded areas requires consultation, safety and avoidance of operational constraints on protected facilities.

Read the official source →

Current national policy

P6: defence and public-safety infrastructure

Reference: NPPF 2026, P6(1)

Gives substantial weight to defence and public-safety infrastructure, including emergency-services telecoms, and addresses development affecting its operation.

Read the official source →

Current national policy

Planning Policy Wales: digital connectivity

Reference: Edition 12, Chapter 5, section 5.2

Sets the national approach to electronic communications, siting and infrastructure provision. Read the current document rather than archived TAN 19.

For your development: For buildings and telecoms schemes: incorporate connectivity and compatible infrastructure from the design stage.

Read the official source →

Current national policy

Planning Policy Wales: reception and interference

Reference: Edition 12, paragraph 5.2.20, Reception and Interference

Trigger and protection: Large or prominent buildings and other structures, including turbines, can obstruct or reflect telecoms and broadcast signals. Interference can be a material planning consideration.

Onus in decision-making: The planning authority should be satisfied that siting and design have considered interference, recognising that correction after construction can be difficult. Consultation with telecoms or broadcast bodies may be appropriate.

GTech assessment approach: Provide proportionate evidence of affected services, siting alternatives, reception or link effects and achievable mitigation at application stage. The paragraph does not impose a single height or separation threshold.

Recognises that large or prominent buildings and structures, including turbines, can obstruct or reflect signals and interfere with telecommunications and broadcasting. Potential effects need consideration during siting and design.

For your development: For tall buildings and wind farms: assess TV/radio reception, relevant wireless services and mitigation before the layout is fixed.

Read the official source →

Published guidance; some passages outdated

Renewable and low-carbon energy: technical planning guidance

Reference: PPG paragraph 017; reference 5-017-20140306

Identifies radio, television and phone-signal interference from turbines and describes operators’ typical 100m clearance requests either side of line-of-sight links, measured from swept blades. This is technical guidance, not a universal statutory exclusion zone. Other passages on wind-policy restrictions and consent thresholds pre-date subsequent changes.

For your development: Use link-specific modelling and current operator requirements. Do not use the old blanket wind restrictions or historic thresholds as current policy.

Read the official source →

Transitional policy only

Retained PPS10: limited transitional relevance

Reference: SPPS paragraphs 1.9–1.11

TEL2 is cancelled. Other retained PPS10 provisions cease to apply in a district when its Plan Strategy is adopted; conflicts favour the SPPS.

For your development: Check council adoption status before citing retained policy.

Read the official source →

Adopted local development plan — 18 January 2023

Salford DG1: fibre provision and interference from telecommunications development

Reference: Salford Local Plan: Development Management Policies and Designations, DG1, printed pages 150–151.

New development: Enable enhancement of Salford’s digital infrastructure and incorporate full-fibre connections, with ducting that can accommodate more than one infrastructure provider.

Telecommunications development: DG1(H) requires proposals to avoid interference with other electrical equipment, air-traffic services and instrumentation operated in the national interest. DG1 also addresses sharing existing sites, siting, visual effects, radiation guidelines and pre-application consultation.

How the policies work together: DG1 governs provision and telecommunications proposals; DG2, detailed in the local-policy section below, protects existing infrastructure from other development, including microwave links and television reception. Renewable-energy proposals also need the EG2 checks listed below. A connectivity statement alone does not demonstrate compliance with interference-protection duties.

Adopted plan, DG1 and DG2 →

Adopted local development plan

Salford DG2: protecting existing digital infrastructure

Reference: Adopted Local Plan, 18 January 2023; DG2 and paragraph 16.4, pages 151–152

Developer responsibility: Avoid adverse effects on the successful functioning of existing digital infrastructure. If avoidance is not practicable, provide appropriate mitigation.

Systems covered: Paragraph 16.4 identifies existing telecommunications apparatus, microwave links and switching stations, and the importance of preserving strong, uninterrupted television reception.

GTech assessment approach: Explain which networks and reception services could be affected, why effects can be avoided or why mitigation is necessary, and how the solution would be delivered with the relevant operator. This is a direct protection policy, distinct from DG1’s requirements for supplying new digital infrastructure.

Source check: The DG2 protection test above has been checked against the adopted January 2023 PDF, rather than relying on the archived January 2020 publication-stage webpage. Use the adopted plan and subsequent relevant strategic policies for the application.

Read adopted DG2, pages 151–152

For your development: Read the adopted plan’s digital chapter and relevant site designations alongside Places for Everyone where applicable.

Read the official source →

Adopted local development plan — 18 January 2023

Salford EG2: wind-energy telecommunications test

Reference: EG2, Wind criterion (3); paragraph 17.6

Developer responsibility: Wind proposals must demonstrate no unacceptable amenity or safety effect involving radar or telecommunications. Apply this alongside DG2’s existing-network protection test.

GTech assessment approach: Explain the turbine envelope, affected services and avoidance or mitigation. Check current national policy when reading older surrounding wind-policy explanations.

Official adopted Local Plan, pages 155–156

Current consenting framework; not a standalone telecoms policy

Significant Infrastructure Projects

Reference: Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 and SIP guidance

The SIP system replaced DNS from 15 December 2025, subject to transitional provisions. Older projects can follow different arrangements.

For your development: Confirm the project’s consent route with PEDW; apply the relevant national policy and appropriate interference evidence.

Read the official source →

Published emerging local policy — Preferred Approach with Options 2025; not adopted

Southend draft DM7.3: telecommunications interference from tall buildings

Reference: Draft DM7.3(2)(ii), Preferred Approach with Options document

Developer responsibility proposed: Tall and large buildings must demonstrate that their surroundings would not suffer adverse effects from telecommunications interference, alongside other environmental and design criteria. This is a direct interference test for new buildings rather than a policy simply promoting new telecoms equipment.

GTech assessment approach: Examine surrounding services during design and explain avoidance or mitigation.

Version and status: Consultation on this version closed 30 September 2025. A government Local Plan intervention letter was published in September 2026. Check the latest council publication before using the draft in an assessment; this entry does not describe the 2025 wording as an adopted policy or an open consultation.

Official published draft · 2026 government intervention

Current regional policy

SPPS: renewable and low-carbon energy

Reference: SPPS Edition 2, December 2025, paragraphs 6.223–6.224

Scope: Renewable and low-carbon energy development, associated buildings and supporting infrastructure. Paragraph 6.223 sets the unacceptable-adverse-impact framework, including effects in combination with other developments; 6.224 expressly includes communications interference among the matters assessed according to technology, scale and local context.

GTech assessment approach: Assess affected services and cumulative interference where relevant; include ancillary structures and equipment; explain mitigation and residual effects. A positive renewable-energy principle does not remove these impact considerations. Apply the operative local development plan alongside the current SPPS.

Tests unacceptable effects, including aviation safety and communications interference, with project-specific and cumulative considerations.

For your development: For wind, solar and storage: identify relevant receptors and resolve technical concerns.

Read the official source →

Current regional policy

SPPS: telecommunications and other utilities

Reference: Edition 2, paragraphs 6.246–6.252

Addresses radio-spectrum interference, site sharing, design, supporting evidence and ICNIRP compliance.

For your development: For telecoms development: provide a technical statement and address affected spectrum users.

Read the official source →

Current published local validation requirements — July 2025

Tameside: Digital Connectivity Statement and JP-C2

Reference: Tameside Local Validation Requirements, July 2025, item 13, “Digital Connectivity Statement”.

Submission trigger: The checklist expressly lists all telecommunications development and all new developments.

Required evidence: Demonstrate how the proposal responds to affordable, high-quality digital infrastructure. The listed considerations are latest-generation mobile technology, full-fibre connections to premises, free secure high-speed public Wi-Fi and the relationship with proposed highway works.

Policy basis: The checklist cites Places for Everyone JP-C2 and NPPF chapter 10. Read its evidence requirement alongside the adopted JP-C2 policy and its technical-feasibility and viability qualifications.

Assessment implications: Explain the proposed infrastructure, delivery arrangements and relevant constraints. Where temporary or permanent works also obstruct or interfere with existing systems, include a separate impact assessment; the connectivity statement does not replace that evidence.

July 2025 checklist, item 13 → · Council validation-list publication →

Published supplementary guidance

Warrington: design guidance

Reference: Design Guide July 2024; Design and Construction listed as February 2016

The Council currently lists both documents. The older download filename says 2010, illustrating why filenames alone cannot establish status. Its specific telecoms wording should be checked against the current design guidance and Local Plan.

For your development: For tall schemes, verify the operative guidance with the authority; do not assume the previous page’s quoted interference wording remains unchanged.

Read the official source →

Current construction code — March 2026

Westminster Code of Construction Practice: electromagnetic interference

Reference: General Site Operations, “Electromagnetic interference”, printed page 35 of the 2026 Code of Construction Practice.

Application: The council’s code covers basement and major development sites. The 2026 version applies to new sites from 1 June 2026 and existing sites from 1 September 2026; the applicable CMP/SEMP requirements depend on the site’s classification.

Developer responsibility: Assess potential interference with nearby wireless telecommunications systems. Where risks arise, use appropriate technology to minimise or eliminate radio-frequency interference. Investigate related adverse health concerns and mitigate or resolve interference caused by site activities wherever practicable.

Assessment implications: Construction plant, temporary works and site activities require consideration alongside the completed building. GTech can help scope affected systems, operator consultation and proportionate mitigation evidence for the construction-management submission. This is an explicit construction-stage protection requirement.

2026 code, page 35 → · Scope and implementation →

Local-policy implementation guidance

Westminster: building height and telecommunications

Reference: March 2026 Planning Obligations and Affordable Housing SPD, section 7.3

The SPD identifies City Plan building-height policy and the requirement to avoid unacceptable aviation and telecoms effects. It also explains mitigation in the planning-obligations context.

For your development: Use the current City Plan numbering rather than older validation-list references; address relevant effects in the technical submission.

Read the official source →

Published supporting guidance

Wireless network development Code of Practice

Reference: England, 7 March 2022

Guides operators, authorities and stakeholders on consultation, siting, design and installation of wireless infrastructure. Older NPPF paragraph references within the Code need to be read against the current Framework.

For your development: For telecoms applications: record engagement, explain alternatives and integrate equipment into the design.

Read the official source →

Current published local validation checklist — 2025

Wirral: Digital Connectivity Statement for new dwellings and business premises

Reference: Wirral Local Validation Checklist, item 14. The document states adoption in May 2025 and is published as the council’s current checklist.

Submission trigger: All applications proposing new dwellings or business premises, including both new-build development and conversions.

Required evidence: A statement demonstrating how the development will have the infrastructure needed for high-quality communications. It should include ducting for full-fibre broadband, which the checklist identifies as the optimum solution in almost all cases.

Planning implications: Applicants should address network availability, connection arrangements and the proposed ducting within the submission. This is an application-evidence and connectivity-provision requirement. Where the scheme also affects an existing network or broadcast reception, assess that impact separately against the applicable protection policies.

GTech support: A proportionate digital or broadband connectivity assessment can identify delivery constraints and help avoid missing information at validation.

Current checklist, item 14 → · Council application guidance →