Agenda item

Installation of 1no. BT Street Hub and removal of associated BT payphone.

Applications P/FUL/2025/06224 and P/ADV/2025/06226 were presented in a single presentation as both applications related to the same site.

The Planning Officer presented the application for the removal of an existing BT payphone and the installation of a BT Street Hub. The application had been referred to the committee because the site was located on Dorset Council owned land.

The site location was shown on a map and within an aerial photograph and photographs of the existing phone kiosk were displayed from a range of viewpoints. Members were advised that the site lay within the Conservation Area and within Flood Zones 3 and 3a.

The proposed development was described as the replacement of the existing phone box with a BT Street Hub, which would provide public Wi‑Fi and enhanced 5G coverage within an approximate range of 150 to 200 metres. The existing kiosk to be removed was slightly smaller than the proposed structure. Elevations of the existing phone box and the proposed Street Hub were shown, along with a visualisation illustrating how the new unit would appear once installed.

The principle of development was considered acceptable and supported by Policy SUS2. The economic and public benefits arising from the provision of Wi‑Fi and improved 5G connectivity were highlighted. Residential amenity was assessed as acceptable, subject to conditions to limit noise and lighting to protect nearby occupiers. In highway terms, the area was used by maintenance vehicles and pedestrians, and Highways officers had recommended conditions to ensure that the unit would not be distracting to users of St Mary’s Street.

Crime and policing matters were considered acceptable, subject to a condition requiring an Anti‑Social Behaviour Management Plan. It was explained that the context of St Mary’s Street differed from that of the esplanade, being a more enclosed and active retail environment. Although the Street Hub would be taller than the existing phone kiosk, it was considered appropriate in a well‑lit retail setting. The proposal was assessed as resulting in less than substantial harm to the setting of the Black Dog public house, but this harm was considered to fall at the lower end of the scale due to the active nature of the street and the building’s offset position relative to the pub.

In setting out the planning balance, the Planning Officer advised that the decision was finely balanced, but concluded that the public benefits of the scheme were clear and outweighed the limited harm identified. The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to conditions shown to members, including restrictions on noise and lighting during certain hours.

In response to members questions officers provided the following responses:

·       The suggested conditions from Highways had been included in the recommended list of conditions.

·       The distance between the proposed Street Hub and Black Dog pub was approximately 8.96m.

·       The Street Hub would not display video advertisements.

It was proposed by Cllr Northam and seconded by Cllr Wheller that the application be granted.

Decision: That the application be granted subject to the conditions set out in the appendix to these minutes.