A bid to put a BT Street Hub in Spalding town centre has been cut off by planners.
The company has been putting the InLink UK screens which offer free public Wi-Fi, calls, USB charging and an emergency services button in towns to replace phone boxes.
Because of connection issues at existing phone boxes in Spalding, BT instead applied for permission to put one outside Boots.
However, the application has been thrown out by planners who argue it won’t fit into the conservation area.
The Spalding and District Civic Society actually supported the application.
“Considerable discussion has ensued on this application as it contravenes the Conservation Area regulation regarding illuminated signs,” its submission states. “However, the general consensus is that we have to move with the times if we are wanting to bring back the footfall to our town centre and help businesses grow.”
South Holland District Council’s Conservation Officer though did object.
“Within a 50 metre radius of the proposed site there are four listed buildings, and within a 100 metre radius there are 12 listed buildings all of which contribute to the area’s special architectural and historic interest,” said that submission.
Planning officers agree and the report refusing the application states: “Fundamentally, the introduction of bright LED screens would detract from the existing historic character of the area.
“The contemporary design and brightness of the structure would juxtapose with the nearby heritage assets in a harmful and unacceptable manner.“
There are clear merits to this proposal, through enhancements to the telecommunications network, potential to operate as a navigation point, and through the use as a phone.
“However, these benefits are not considered to outweigh the identified harm to the historic environment.”
