NM19: Connecting the Town
Policy NM19: Connecting the Town
Development proposals to provide access to an ultra-fast broadband network and to improve the speed of existing services, will be supported, provided the location and design of any above-ground network installations reflect the character of the local area.
Proposals for housing and employment schemes must provide appropriate ducting suited to fibre communications technologies that is either connected to the public highway; through satellite broadband; a community led local access network; or to another location that can be justified.
Proposals should demonstrate how any development will contribute to and be compatible with local fibre or internet connectivity. This should be through a ‘Connectivity Statement’ provided with relevant planning applications. Such statements should include details of:
- The intended land use and the anticipated connectivity requirements of the development.
- Known nearby data networks and their anticipated speed (fixed copper, 3G, 4G, 5G, fibre, satellite, microwave, etc.).
- Realistic viability and delivery assessments of connection potential or contribution to any such networks.
- Measures taken by the applicants to work with Telecom providers to ensure that Ultrafast Broadband is available at the point of occupation.
This policy is proposed to remain unchanged from the current Neighbourhood Plan
Supporting Text
New Milton has been signposted for early delivery of Ultrafast broadband. In addition, the UK Government has signalled its desire to bring superfast broadband to rural communities (i.e. over 24 mbps – current speeds are as low as 0.25mbps in the New Forest). Availability of high speed broadband is a critical factor in securing the sustainability of the town and rural areas and unlocking untapped economic potential. National Planning Policy supports the need for high quality communications infrastructure, acknowledging its role in supporting economic activity and enhancing the provision of local facilities and services, particularly in rural areas. The Rural Productivity Plan (DEFRA; 2015) places fast and reliable broadband services at the top of a ten-point plan to boost rural productivity.
There has been a market failure to provide good connectivity in rural areas resulting in a number of government backed initiatives to remedy this situation. This failure extends to the rural parts of this area. The ability of these initiatives to deliver good connectivity to all existing and new developments is, as yet, unknown. The National Park Authority is working with New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council and Wiltshire County Council to help this happen. Many rural communities are going to be connected over the next three years as part of the counties’ Broadband Delivery UK roll out. The rural nature of the New Forest means that it is likely to be lower than this in the National Park.