Many residents have been in touch with me over the past 18 months about a matter that has resonated within our community – the proliferation of telecommunication poles across East Hull. Your engagement and feedback on this issue have been invaluable, and I am grateful for your active involvement.

The construction of these poles, falling under ‘permitted development,’ has stirred frustration among us, as it limits the influence of local decision-making. The current legislation allows companies to build without a full planning application, sidelining the voice of elected representatives, councillors, and local residents. I share your disappointment in this process.

Over the past year, I have engaged with the Chief Executives of Connexin, MS3, and Grain, urging them to address our concerns. While progress has been made, I understand that many of you still face challenges. To facilitate communication, these companies have provided contact details for specific cases:

• Connexin: build-enquiries@connexin.co.uk or www.scd-ltd.com/newpole
• MS3: Nick.Johnson@ms-3.co.uk or www.ms3networks.co.uk/pole-objection

I recently met with Ofcom to discuss the issue and learned that the current legislation’s broad scope, designed to expedite broadband infrastructure installation in rural areas, has unintentionally impacted our city. Ofcom clarified that planning rules fall under the government and local authorities, and they are actively addressing the matter.

Regarding infrastructure sharing by KCOM, Ofcom needs a formal complaint from new companies to investigate obstacles preventing sharing. They lack the authority to instruct new providers on infrastructure sharing. However, Ofcom is working to arrange a meeting with all service providers, including KCOM, MS3, Grain, and Connexin, to seek a joint resolution. We, the Hull MPs, have requested regular updates on their progress.

On a positive note, if a broadband company faces going into administration, legal provisions ensure that funds are earmarked for the removal of their infrastructure from our streets

Despite our collective efforts, it is still frustrating that telecommunication companies are acting within existing legislation which means that it doesn’t prevent them from proceeding with their work.

In response to the frustration in our community, I am still gathering signatures for my petition. This petition aims to amplify our collective voice and urge the government and communication companies to reconsider current regulations.

To add your name to the petition, visit https://www.karlturnermp.org.uk/planning-permission-for-telecomm or reach out to my office via email, phone, or post. Additional information, including the full petition text and relevant correspondence, is available on my website.

I want to assure you that, as your MP, I have been consistently raising this matter with the government and I fully support Dame Diana Johnson’s endeavours to change the law, ensuring that the installation of telegraph poles requires approval from both the local authority planning department and residents.

If you need further information or support, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.