When the Government set out its bold plan for the UK’s digital future, our recommendations were at the heart of the conversation. Discover how Sean McHenry, Cornerstone’s Head of Town Planning, influenced key reforms to remove barriers and accelerate connectivity.
The Big Picture – A Strategy for the Next Decade
On 19 June 2025, the UK Government published its 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, setting out a roadmap to transform the nation’s connectivity, transport, and utilities. Central to this plan is digital infrastructure for growth and innovation, recognising that robust connectivity underpins the UK’s economic success and societal resilience.
Where digital infrastructure takes centre stage
Within the Digital Infrastructure for Growth and Innovation section, Point 3.53 (pg.59) makes a landmark commitment:
“The Government will launch a call for evidence to review where existing planning regulations could be reformed in order to support rollout of telecoms infrastructure.”
This commitment directly reflects Cornerstone’s recommendations and evidence provided during our consultations with government and industry partners.
Key highlights from the strategy:
- 99% population coverage following the Vodafone/Three merger
- £40 billion industry investment in full-fibre rollout
- Planning reform commitment: Government will consult on changes to planning law to speed up deployment
- Economic impact: 5G adoption could add £37 billion GVA by 2035
Turning planning challenges into national policy change
Behind this milestone is Sean McHenry, Cornerstone’s Head of Town Planning. Through sustained engagement with HM Treasury, the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, and devolved governments, Sean has championed reforms that could transform how digital infrastructure is deployed across the UK. We now look forward to the upcoming consultation on NPPF reform, which will be a vital step in ensuring planning policy fully supports the UK’s digital ambitions.
Turning planning reform into industry progress
Through his engagement with central and devolved government, Sean has championed planning reforms designed to make telecoms rollout quicker and more consistent. By presenting evidence that informed the UK Government’s approach to permitted development rights, and by working with ministers in Northern Ireland on reforms such as prior approval processes, Sean’s input is helping to remove barriers that have slowed delivery for too long. These changes stand to benefit the entire industry and, most importantly, support our customers, mobile network operators in bringing faster, more reliable connectivity to communities across the UK. Part of our next steps will be to engage with the Welsh and Scottish Governments to explore how similar reforms could be advanced in their planning systems.
Breaking down barriers to connectivity
Planning delays have long been a barrier to faster mobile rollout. On average, site deployment can be delayed by 12-18 months due to current planning restrictions. With the Government’s commitment to reform, we’re on the verge of:
- Shorter planning timelines for upgrades and new sites
- Greater flexibility for operators to share infrastructure
- Better rural connectivity, closing the digital divide
Cornerstone’s vision for the next decade
While the strategy sets the direction, execution is key. Our suggestions:
- Fast-tracking consultations on planning law changes
- Clear national guidance for local authorities to avoid interpretation delays
- Continued collaboration between Government, operators, and infrastructure providers
We’ll continue working closely with policymakers to ensure these commitments translate into action, delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity everywhere.
We’ll continue working closely with policymakers to ensure these commitments translate into action, delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity everywhere.
“The next step is turning policy into progress. We’re ready to partner with Government and industry to make it happen.”
— Sean McHenry, Head of Town Planning
Partner with the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure experts
As the trusted infrastructure provider behind the UK’s major networks, Cornerstone is driving change for a digital-first nation.
