BRSK Statement

Many residents across Stockport have raised concerns with me about the deployment of broadband telegraph poles. From Davenport to the Heatons, people have expressed similar concerns about their views being disregarded, Stockport Council having no real powers in this matter, and telecommunications companies effectively doing what they like without consulting residents.  

As telegraph poles are installed under Permitted Development Rights, there is no formal consultation that would happen with a full planning application, and Stockport Council does not need to give prior approval. I have seen residents organise petitions to resist the installation of telegraph poles, but ultimately, I understand some people want stronger checks and balances on the activities of telecommunications companies, such as BRSK in Stockport.

I have therefore more recently written and met with the Government Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecomms – Sir Chris Bryant MP – to ensure this issue has been raised at the very top of Government.

However, I recognise that this issue is not new or specific to Stockport. I have been receiving complaints for over a year, and I previously wrote to the then Conservative Minister in January 2024. I expressed residents’ concerns that “companies are duplicating infrastructure and installing telegraph poles as a fast and cheap option to deliver Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) broadband.” I also mentioned that “due to current legislation, which allows the installation of these telegraph poles via permitted development – there is a lack of accountability about who is overseeing and ensuring that internet providers are thoroughly investigating whether infrastructure already exists and cables can and indeed should be installed underground.”

Since the change in Government in July this year, Minister Bryant has been vocal about companies ensuring they share existing infrastructure, and where new infrastructure is needed, to install underground wherever possible before installing new telegraph poles.

He told me during our meeting that he had met with operators, including BRSK, who have committed to finding ways to collaborate and share infrastructure, consult residents more consistently and effectively, and document examples of best practice when deploying telegraph poles.

I understand that the Government will not shy away from exploring changing the law, should companies fail to listen to communities, and I will continue to monitor developments in this area.

Alongside my Ministerial correspondence and meetings, I have also been in touch with BRSK several times on behalf of residents in my constituency. Despite repeated assurances from BRSK that the correct processes are followed, residents are consulted, and telegraph poles only being installed when BRSK cannot share infrastructure and it is not possible to lay cables underground, I continue to be contacted by people who are concerned about their practices and a lack of meaningful consultation.

Most recently, BRSK has confirmed that it continues to follow its standard processes but is unable to progress works in some areas of my constituency due to issues with Stockport Council around the need for poles and works impacting on conservation areas.  

More widely, it is important to note that telegraph poles can play an important role in delivering efficient and cost-effective coverage and connectivity to communities, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Excellent broadband coverage is vital to the daily lives of many people living and working in Stockport and it is important that our communities continue to benefit from high-quality digital infrastructure.

However, I appreciate that many people have told me that they are happy with their broadband speeds, and that the installation of telegraph poles actively dissuades people from switching providers. It is therefore very important to ensure a balance is found between deploying infrastructure efficiently, and ensuring that residents' concerns about the impact on their communities and the environment are properly taken into account.