BT appeals Harrogate digital street hubs refusalHarrogate digital street hubs rejected amid ‘visual clutter’ concernsFears Harrogate digital street hubs could be used by drug dealersCouncil refuses plans for ‘intrusive’ BT street hubs in Harrogate and Starbeck

Harrogate Borough Council has refused plans to install six BT “street hubs” in Harrogate town centre and Starbeck.

The telecommunications company applied to the council to install the free-standing units on Cambridge Street outside the former Smiggle shop, on Oxford Street outside Marks and Spencer, and on High Street in Starbeck.

Further proposals for a hub outside the Cotswold Company on Station Parade and on Prospect Crescent in Harrogate were also rejected.

The hubs, which are being installed across the country, provide free phone calls and Wi-Fi, rapid charging points and touch screen tablets that can be used to access services.

How the BT street hub would look on Starbeck High Street.

How the BT street hub would look on Starbeck High Street.

However, the council has refused the planned units on the grounds that they were “intrusive and inappropriate”.

The authority added in its decision notice:

“The proposed infrastructure is viewed as street clutter, with unrelated advertisement to the area and therefore would fail to preserve or enhance the character of the Conservation Area or the surrounding street landscape.”

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In documents submitted to the council, BT described the hubs as “reinventing phone boxes for the digital age”.

It also said the hubs were largely used to replace older infrastructure and would deliver a valuable service.

BT said:

“Every street hub provides access to maps giving directions to nearby landmarks and services – a valuable resource for visitors or those without access to a smartphone.

“They also act as wayfinding boards, giving walkers and cyclists clear directions, and providing local advertisers the opportunity to give simple directions to their businesses.

“This sponsorship will also cover the maintenance and servicing costs of the street hub. This is necessary to ensure the program remains financially sustainable.”

The Stray Ferret has approached BT to ask whether it will still pursue the proposals, but had not received a response by the time of publication.