Code red: Time for property to wake up to one of 2019’s biggest disruptors

It’s just over a year since the new Electronic Communications Code – which governs the relationship between property owners and those who run communications networks through masts, cables, etc – came into force. And the result, so far, has been “stagnation” of the market for new mast sites, according to Emma Humphreys, partner at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP. Last week, Humphreys spoke at a joint Property Litigation Association/Property Bar Association panel event, 2019 – The Year of the Disruptor?, explaining why the Code will be one of the major disruptors. Joining EG’s deputy legal editor, Jess Harrold, here she explains the major issues involved, stresses the need to find a fair balance between the increasing demands for better connectivity and the requirements for flexibility in the use of buildings and their redevelopment, and calls on the property industry to start paying attention to the Code. To send feedback, e-mail jess.harrold@egi.co.uk or tweet @estatesgazette