Phone Masts and Property Assets

Contents

This video has been produced via Zoom in light of the Coronavirus restrictions

For many property owners phone masts have provided welcome additional income but following the implementation of the Digital Economy Act 2017 property owners, investors, and those who advise them, need to give very careful thought as to whether phone masts should be permitted. Professionals surveying property need to be able to advise on the impact electronic communications apparatus may have on matters such as value or their client’s intentions for the property. This session will look at:

• The background to the current legislative framework
• The provisions of the new Electronic Communications Code
• Strategy when faced with the renewal of existing telecoms agreements
• Responding to notices seeking new agreements
• Redevelopment/removal of telecommunications apparatus

Learning Objectives

• Understand the background and historical development of current position on telecoms and the provisions of the new Electronic Communications Code
• Understand the strategy when faced with the renewal of existing telecoms agreements
• Have knowledge of current state of the market
• Know how to respond to notices seeking new agreements
• Be updated on issues surrounding redevelopment and removal of telecommunications apparatus

Speaker

MICHAEL WATSON

Michael Watson is a solicitor who has specialised in property related litigation and risk management for the majority of his legal career.

Having previously worked for a number of national practices, Michael now heads the Property Litigation team at Shulmans LLP Solicitors in Leeds.  He has served on the Steering Group of the RICS Dilapidations Forum in the recent past and previously spoken at the Forum National Conference.  He regularly presents continuing professional development training seminars for RICS members throughout the country and also sits on the judging panel of the RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards.

Michael is a strong advocate of a proactive approach to the management of the risks associated with the ownership and occupation of property and this is very much reflected in his approach to dilapidations related issues whether acting for landlords or tenants.

Michael acts for a broad range of property clients throughout the country and in addition to his work in relation to property related disputes and risk management generally, he also specialises in issues relating to telecommunications masts and in particular mobile phone networks.  Out of the office he is an officer in the Territorial Army, a Councillor, a motorcyclist and a bee keeper.