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: 

1. The intended land use and the anticipated connectivity requirements of the development.
2. Known nearby data networks and their anticipated speed (fixed copper, 3G, 4G, 5G, fibre, satellite, microwave, etc.). 
3. Realistic viability and delivery assessments of connection potential or contribution to any such networks. 
4. Measures taken by the applicants to work with Telecom providers to ensure that Ultrafast Broadband is available at the point of occupation.