Consumeractive
We stand up for your legal rights
LEAD CASE
Can Openreach put up lines across my roof without permission?
Q An Openreach cabinet and a nearby service pole with overhead lines to neighbouring properties is causing a problem. A new line has appeared that only skirts the flat felted roof of my house by about six inches. This roof needs regular clearing and repair. Would I be responsible if I accidentally damaged this line while clearing my roof? And can Openreach just put up lines without an affected homeowner’s permission?
Bob Wilson
A Yes, Openreach can run cables without Bob’s specific permission as set out by the Communications Act 2003 and related Code of Practice for Electronic Communications Code operators. However, it must do so with minimal interference to the landowners’ enjoyment and maintenance of their property.
It sounds like the line has been routed in a way that prevents Bob from carrying out necessary maintenance and using other parts of his property. He told us he’s a keen sailor and has dinghies with 20-foot masts in his driveway.
Bob hasn’t had any luck contacting Openreach, so instead he should report the problem. Openreach explains how to do this on its ‘Reporting network damage or health and safety problems’ (www.snipca.com/57064). He has taken photos of the cable, which he should send to Openreach. He should also keep records of his communications with the company. If it continues to ignore him he should report it to Ofcom.