Andrew Snowden, MP for Fylde, has spoken out over the growing number of 6G Wi-Fi poles being installed across local communities without proper consultation, warning that the rules being used to justify them are being misused.
Residents in areas like Kirkham, Wesham and Poulton have raised concerns as poles appear on street corners and near homes, often without any warning or public engagement. Mr Snowden says this is happening because certain companies are exploiting a loophole in the planning rules for projects designed to improve internet access for remote rural areas.
“These rules were meant to help connect isolated homes in the countryside, not to let companies cut corners and save money in towns like ours,” said Mr Snowden. “It’s not right that residents have no say over what goes up near their homes. These poles affect how our streets look, and people are rightly concerned about their impact.”
Under current planning legislation, telecoms companies can install certain types of infrastructure in sparsely populated rural areas without needing full planning permission. However, some firms are now using those same provisions in far more built-up places — something Mr Snowden says must be stopped.
The MP for Fylde has already raised the issue in Parliament, written to the companies involved, and contacted Lancashire County Council directly. But despite repeated calls for change, the response has so far been frustratingly slow.
“The Government is doing another review but enough is enough. We don’t need more talking, we need action,”
Mr Snowden said.
“I’ll keep pressing until we get common sense changes to protect our communities from this kind of back-door development.”
Mr Snowden is encouraging residents to continue sharing their concerns and report any installations they believe may not have followed the proper process.
