Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has opened a public consultation on proposed changes to permitted development rights (PDRs) for mobile network operators.

The initiative recognises the crucial role of strong mobile connectivity in driving growth, productivity and opportunity across the North.

The proposals have been shaped by the Department for Infrastructure’s work on the Department for the Economy’s Mobile Action Plan and its follow-on Barrier Busting Taskforce, which sought to identify and address obstacles to rolling out mobile infrastructure.

A Matrix report published in November 2023 found that removing barriers to building and upgrading mobile networks could increase the North’s economy by around £1.4 billion over the next 10 years.

Announcing the consultation, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: "Improving our digital infrastructure is vital to the Norths economy. The planning system has an important role in facilitating the delivery and upgrade of telecommunications infrastructure while ensuring that development is appropriately located and designed to minimise impacts on the environment and local communities.

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"I am committed to reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens where it is appropriate to do so. This consultation seeks views on proposals to review current permitted development rights for telecommunications development, with the aim of supporting investment in modern digital infrastructure while maintaining appropriate planning safeguards.

"I encourage all those with an interest in planning matters and digital connectivity to take part in the consultation and share their views."

The consultation runs for 12 weeks until 5.00pm on 23 December 2026. The Department welcomes responses from all interested parties. Documents are available at: www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/review-permitted-development-rights-mobile-telecommunications

PDRs allow certain types of development to proceed without the need for planning permission. The proposals relate to Part 18 (Development by Electronic Communications Code Operators) of the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 and form part of the Department’s ongoing review of PDRs.

The programme aligns with the UK Government’s aim to achieve nationwide 5G Standalone coverage of all populated areas by 2030, alongside significant industry investment this decade — £11 billion by VodafoneThree and £40 billion by BT/EE — with Northern Ireland’s share expected to run into the hundreds of millions.