Policy information sourced from the Lewisham Local Plan

TR7 Digital connectivity

Strategic Objectives:

A An open Lewisham as part of an open London,

C A thriving local economy that tackles inequalities,

E Responding to the climate emergency,

H Securing the timely delivery of infrastructure.

A Digital connectivity infrastructure is necessary for access to services and other opportunities, inclusive communities and growth and diversification of the local economy. The Council will work with stakeholders to address barriers to digital access and secure the provision of high quality, fast and reliable digital infrastructure across Lewisham.

B In line with London Plan Policy SI6 (Digital connectivity infrastructure) development proposals will be required to take appropriate measures to enable full-fibre, or equivalent infrastructure, connectivity to all end users within new development, along with meeting the expected demand for mobile connectivity generated by the development. Proposals must demonstrate that the development will be ‘connection-ready’ on first occupation.

C Development proposals must demonstrate how they will improve digital connectivity on sites located in areas where full-fibre broadband, or equivalent infrastructure, is not currently available or on sites that are otherwise poorly served by broadband coverage, including in designated employment areas and town centres. Proposals must have regard to Lewisham’s Infrastructure Delivery Plan and other relevant information on broadband coverage.

Infrastructure and equipment design

D Development proposals for digital connectivity infrastructure and associated equipment will only be supported where it can be suitably demonstrated that:

  • The infrastructure and equipment is the minimum needed to meet operational requirements, having regard to future demand or planned improvements;
  • Opportunities for infrastructure and equipment sharing have been fully investigated and taken into account;
  • There will be no significant adverse impact on the visual amenity of the occupiers of the host building, where relevant, and neighbouring occupiers;
  • There will be no adverse impact on open space and biodiversity;
  • If located on a main road or walking route, a minimum residual footway is provided;
  • Detrimental impact on the external appearance of the host building or structure, street scene or space on which the equipment is located will be avoided or appropriately mitigated; and
  • The infrastructure and equipment is sensitively located and appropriately designed, and does not detract from local area character, having particular regard to:
    1. The need to preserve or enhance the significance of heritage assets, including Listed Buildings and conservation areas;
    2. The use of design treatments to ensure the least possible visual impact, including colour, landscape and other interventions to help screen or conceal cabling and other apparatus; and
    3. The cumulative impact of telecommunications installations on a structure, site or area.

E In order to minimise visual impact all digital connectivity infrastructure and equipment should be removed as soon as reasonably practicable once it is not required for use, and older equipment should be upgraded wherever feasible.

For more information and policy context please see the Lewisham Local Plan