Poles
These are typically wooden, but can also include steel poles. The timber poles are similar to the common telegraph poles that carry telephone wires. They are typically 8 to 10 metres in height and carry a fixed line broadband cable. They do not transmit or receive radio signals, they simply support a broadband cable above the highway.
Steel poles are usually less than 15 metres in height and do not broadcast or receive radio signals themselves. Poles do not require planning permission. They are permitted development and can be installed on highway without needing any form of consent from us.
Telecommunications companies must give us 28 days notice of their intention to install a pole but there are no real grounds of objection. They are also required to advertise their intention within the vicinity of the site, usually via a site notice.
This means the wooden and steel poles do not require any form of permission or consent from us. We have no powers to prevent the installation of the poles as permission for their installation has already been granted in advance by the government. Whilst they are required to notify the local Council and local residents, this does not limit their right to install the poles. A highway license is not required, simply a permit for the method of installation and national guidance from the government controls matters around the remaining pavement widths etc.
We would only intervene if the pole was causing an obstruction which should not be the case if the telecoms operators follow national guidance on their installation. We have no powers to seek their removal on visual impact grounds.