Landowners with telecommunication masts on their property are coming under pressure to accept huge reductions in rent from mast operators.

“One of the first I heard of was a mast that was being rented out for £6,800 a year and the proposal came through for a new agreement for £86,” said Kate Russell from the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers. It stems from the interpretation of a new law on electronic communications which came into effect in the UK during December 2017.

Speaking in an online meeting organised by the UFU, Russell said that telecom companies want payments to landowners to be based on typical conacre rents.

However, she maintained that payments should reflect the entire agreement and not just the market value of the land. She said it should consider factors such as giving companies 24/7 access to the site, possible alternative uses for the land and inconveniences that the landowner experiences due to the mast.

Although it has been in place for two and a half years, the new legislation on mast rents has not been tested in the courts yet, so its interpretation remains unclear.

“I think mast operators are hoping to pick off a few cheap deals so that they can use them as examples when setting new agreements with other landowners,” Russell suggested.

For landowners with an expired lease who are currently negotiating a new rental agreement with their mast operator, the advice is to seek expert legal advice.

“It will be a one-sided argument. You need to speak to a solicitor with experience in telecoms law. This will most likely not be your local family solicitor,” Russell said.

The UFU plans to co-ordinate discussions and information sharing between affected landowners in NI so that they are well informed when their agreements with mast operators are up for renewal.

“Don’t immediately agree to the new terms offered. Don’t panic, take stock and seek proper advice,” added Scott Edmundson from Country Estates.