Green broadband cabinets - do they need planning permission?

anotherday1974

I am interested to know the process Openreach have to go through when installing green broadband cabinets in public streets? Lots are appearing near to me, so would they consult nearby property owners first? What rights do property owners have if they are unhappy? I'm guessing they wouldn't just put a cabinet outside someones house without consulting first? 

EssexExile

You sound like my wife, she got all uppity when Openreach put a box outside our house. I was just thankful for the brilliant broadband.

Yes, they do just put up a box outside your house without asking. It's the council's land, if the council say it's ok, it's ok.

anotherday1974

EssexExile said:

You sound like my wife, she got Yes, they do just put up a box outside your house without asking. It's the council's land, if the council say it's ok, it's ok.

Wow, is the conversation or application to council made public? 

I hope they don't stick one outside my house, since it can restrict my ability to drop the kerb to create a drive. Also, my area is plagued by graffiti taggers who have nothing better to do than put their stupid tags on broadband cabinets! 

Ectophile

EssexExile said:

You sound like my wife, she got all uppity when Openreach put a box outside our house. I was just thankful for the brilliant broadband.

Yes, they do just put up a box outside your house without asking. It's the council's land, if the council say it's ok, it's ok.

Not only that, but if the council doesn't object quick enough, then they put the box in anyway.

daveyjp

No planning permission, but they need Council highways permission.
Expect more as fibre roll out continues.  We now have three fibre operators to choose from, all with their own ducting and cabinets.

suki1964

Id love a green box outside my house

It was only two years ago one appeared close enough ( within a mile ) that we could get BB with a speed high then 512kbs

TELLIT01

If you are considering a drop kerb get the application in now before they potentially do any work. 

Browntoa

Openreach have statutory rights that allow them to install almost anywhere if they can show a technical requirement to provide a service . They can technically put a cab or telephone pole on your land without your agreement

Highland76

anotherday1974 said:

I hope they don't stick one outside my house, since it can restrict my ability to drop the kerb to create a drive. Also, my area is plagued by graffiti taggers who have nothing better to do than put their stupid tags on broadband cabinets! 

Surely the benefits of having a FTTC cab outside your home would far outweigh any disadvantages? The main - and huge advantage - is your line would sync at the full 80/20 Mbps speed on FTTC broadband. Most - if not all - people stuck on sub 2 Mbps broadband would give an arm and a leg for 80 Mbps broadband.

pelirocco

suki1964 said:

Id love a green box outside my house

It was only two years ago one appeared close enough ( within a mile ) that we could get BB with a speed high then 512kbs

me too , our broadband is via two tin cans and a piece of string.

Davesnave

Mickey666 said:

Browntoa said:

Openreach have statutory rights that allow them to install almost anywhere if they can show a technical requirement to provide a service . They can technically put a cab or telephone pole on your land without your agreement

Are you sure about that?   I'm paid about £50 per year for two electricity poles on my land so presumably that had to be agreed by a previous owner.  What if they had refused permission or asked for too much money?  Or is there a statutory payment enshrined in law for such things?

There are payments set out for both electricity and telephone equipment, so there is no 'negotiation.' However, Openreach wayleave payments are typically one-offs and power distribution equipment is usually paid annually.

If essential service equipment really needs to be placed somewhere on your property, the service provider has the power to insist it is sited there, but in practice there's usually consultation and compromise, especially if the location is, say, the garden of a private house. I've worked with an Openreach surveyor to re-site a pole that was illegally moved onto my property without the knowledge of Openreach. Their preferred location would have spoiled the view of a neighbour, but we were able to agree somewhere else without too much difficulty once I pointed that out.