Telecommunications and Public Utilities

Modern day telecommunications and the provision of utilities infrastructure are essential elements in the life of our people and for the local and national economy. They have a specific role in promoting sustainable communities by helping to counteract the effects of relative remoteness in rural areas and limiting the need to travel to work, for example by promoting home working, and providing access to information, learning and shopping. Strong connectivity is vital for businesses in order to keep them competitive and to access new markets, however, there are rural parts of the Borough that suffer from poor access to high speed broadband and also deficiencies in mobile broadband coverage. Therefore, the Council wishes to facilitate telecommunications growth which leads to improvements in these areas, whilst keeping the environmental impact to a minimum.