Broadband planning changes in the pipeline

The government is considering changing planning regulations to boost broadband coverage.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's office is looking at making high-speed internet access a consideration in the planning procedure.

The idea could even mean extending the legal obligation to provide water, gas and electricity to broadband.

Changes to planning would help bridge the 'digital divide' between broadband haves and have-nots and ensure that government broadband services reach the entire population.

Former housing minister Sir George Young told Computing: 'There is a very strong case for regarding broadband on same basis as other utilities.

'If we want the country to be at the forefront of the technology revolution, and we want to make sure rural areas are not unfairly discriminated against, then we need some kind of universal provision.'

Changing the planning regulations would be a big step forward, says Labour MP and broadband select committee member Derek Wyatt.

'We could change the planning laws so every new estate, building and business would have to be ready for broadband.'

The issue is not new. In February 2001, then-eMinister Patricia Hewitt told a Commons' committee that the relevant department had been asked to consider what changes could be made to planning guidance.

If it avoids the issue any longer, the government will endanger its own electronic service delivery plans, says Labour MP Tony McWalter.

'The government is handicapping itself by not having thought through the implications of its own strategy.

'It needs to understand that to deliver effective services it will need a much better delivery platform than the one we currently have.

'Lack of universality just means we will get lowest common denominator services,' said McWalter.

Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors director of planning and development Faraz Baber said: 'On the commercial side this is being done already, but for areas like industrial, retail or residential then you are thinking about new market where perhaps broadband is not yet established.'