BT has appealed a decision to block a new 'street hub' on The Grove in Ilkley.
Last year the telecommunication company applied for permission to replace an existing phone booth outside 40-42 The Grove with a new hub unit that would feature two large advertising screens, wi-fi, public phone and phone charging facility.
But planning officers refused to grant permission, arguing it would be an “incongruous and strident feature” on the picturesque street.
Now BT has appealed that decision – arguing that the new hub is part of the changing nature of what the company provides.
The appeal means that a decision on whether the hub can be installed on The Grove is out of Bradford Council’s hands, and will be made by a Government appointed planning officer.
Refusing the scheme for The Grove, planning officers at Bradford Council said:
“The streetscape currently has minimal street furniture beyond the typical lighting columns, bollards and bins. The proposal introduces visual clutter and obstruction, conflicting with the character of the area.
“The proposed development, by reason of its prominent position and excessive scale emphasised by its illuminated nature, would represent an incongruous and strident feature, that would harm the character and appearance of the street scene and wider Ilkley Conservation Area.”
The appeal by BT says:
“The existing payphone kiosks in the area are reaching the end of their optimum functional state and the Street Hub is the next phase of rolling replacement that has been ongoing for over 100 years.
“30 years ago, BT’s public obligation was to provide access to universal communications by means of a landline telephone.
“In 2026, the nature of telecommunications has changed and the public services being offered include Wi-Fi, free telephone calls and other functions provided by the Street Hub.
“It is important to emphasise the proposal is a means for BT to meet its obligations under the Universal Service Obligation with Ofcom to provide a universally available service at the site of this appeal, by locating the required services in an area that would be of upmost benefit to the public and local community.
“The aspect for justifying the proposal and project is important as the service required by the ‘USO’ means that BT are obliged to meet this obligation with their own infrastructure. As such, if existing kiosks no longer provide a beneficial service, they must be replaced with alternative infrastructure that meets current day needs.
“While it is acknowledged that the proposed Street Hub may have some minor impact, it is the appellant’s considered opinion that any such impact is outweighed by the significant benefits provided by the proposed unit.
“The proposed Street Hub unit will not appear out of context within this busy urban environment which is home to many retail outlets that feature existing signage and front onto The Grove, nor will it represent a particularly dominant or overbearing feature.
“The proposed unit will be set alongside existing street furniture including cycle racks, litter bin and bench.”
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