Taller phone masts to get rid of mobile ‘not spots’

HEIGHT restrictions for mobile phone masts are set to be relaxed in a bid to increase coverage in rural areas.

Current rules say masts up to 82ft do not need planning approval on unprotected land.

However, the Government has not proposed a new height limit and said mobile operators must show the benefits of increases.

Ministers are keen to reform planning laws to boost mobile coverage in hard-to-reach “not spot” areas.

Under the plans going out to consultation, permission will also not be needed to install radio equipment cabinets on protected or unprotected land.

Planning minister Esther McVey said: “We’re committed to delivering the homes people across the country need, and that includes delivering the right infrastructure such as broadband connectivity and good mobile coverage.