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ID sylw: 108946

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Warwickshire County Council

Warwickshire’s residents and businesses require high speed reliable broadband
provision and mobile network connectivity which are essential foundations for
economic growth and prosperity.

Development proposals will be expected to provide the infrastructure for broadband
and mobile communications as essential utilities.
Broadband Provision

Residential and commercial developments including change of use or conversion
of existing buildings will be expected to deliver:
• Gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure using 'fibre to the premises' from a minimum of two fixed broadband providers, one of which is required to be a wholesale passive broadband provider.
• Alternative gigabit-capable technologies, where justified, for reasons including viability, distance from the network or other constraints preventing 'fibre to the premises'.

Mobile and Fixed Wireless Network Provisions

Residential and commercial developments will be expected to:
• Maintain and improve connectivity to mobile voice and data communications networks.
• Assign provision of land, in conjunction with lead authority and mobile network operators, on new settlement sites specifically for the development of new mobile infrastructure.
• Ensure that new mobile and fixed wireless network equipment is appropriately located and sympathetically designed to reduce their visual impacts on the surrounding area.
• Ensure that where technical evidence justifies the provision of new installations for mobile and fixed wireless infrastructure, the new infrastructure will be of appropriate scale and capacity for current and future mobile generations (2G, 4G, 5G, 6G and beyond).
• Demonstrate that new mobile installations or adaptations (including the addition of network apparatus) will safeguard public health in relation to the individual effects of the new proposal and the cumulative effects of all network facilities in that location.

Delivering high quality, digital infrastructure that meets the needs of businesses and communities is a key priority within Warwickshire's Economic Growth Strategy. This recognises that the provision of the best available digital connectivity is also an essential utility for businesses and communities. The intention is to ensure that mobile connectivity and broadband provision across Warwickshire meets the needs of employers and residents, in how they choose to work and live. Ultimately reducing the carbon footprint of residents and businesses across Warwickshire.

Connectivity is an essential utility and should be provided to communities as a means to support their quality of life, to facilitate social inclusion and to reduce the need to travel to access work, services and leisure opportunities. This connectivity should now be provided as an integral component of new development to secure the long-term social and economic vitality and viability of Warwickshire's communities. Warwickshire County Council recognises the need to balance the delivery of the best available connectivity to high-quality communications infrastructure with the viability of new development proposals within any relevant 'cost cap' per dwelling for connection to electronic communication, network connections

The provision of new digital infrastructure and gigabit-capable access will support agile working, a reduction in commuting and the growth of smart home technology to enable businesses and communities to contribute towards a cleaner and healthier environment and a reduction of their 'carbon footprint'