Two digital display screens at Pavement On Broad Street, Staple Hill

“OFFTEM DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE - 23rd July 2026 App No.:P26/00638/ADVApplicant: BT Telecommunications PLC Site:Pavement On Broad Street Staple Hill South Gloucestershire BS16 5LN Date Reg:30th March 2026 Proposal:Display of 2no. internally illuminated Digital Display Screens (resubmission of P25/00525/ADV).”

“OFFTEM •Consideration of the application in the context of the previous refusal reasons and the reasons for relocating position of the Street Hub in this location – could it have been positioned even further away from the Salvation Army? 1.THE PROPOSAL 1.1Advertisement consent is sought for display of 2no. internally illuminated Digital Display Screens (resubmission of P25/00525/ADV).”

“They also consider it would harm public amenity during community and private events. 5.ANALYSIS OF PROPOSAL 5.1Principle of Development The NPPF states that great importance is attached to the design of the built environment, with good design cited as a key aspect of sustainable development and thereby positively contributing to making places better for people. Development should function well and add to the overall quality of the area.”

“OFFTEM Given the busy high street and existing accident history, the screens are likely to increase pedestrian safety risks. Refusal is therefore recommended on safety grounds. 5.3The current application relocates the signage approximately 1.5 metres to the south, towards the road. The dimensions and other aspects of the proposal remain the same as the previous application.”

“5.8Public safety The proposed advertisement BT Street Hub would be located on a pavement which is approximately 7.5 metres wide. By relocating the Street Hub to a different position from the previous location, it would be sited in line with the existing bike rack and streetlight to the east, and the existing manhole and other shop signage to the west. 5.9The site is located within a busy commercial street environment.”

“The existence of a potential alternative site does not, in itself, demonstrate that the proposed location is unacceptable in public safety terms. 5.12Overall, it is not considered that the proposed Street Hub or associated digital displays would result in unacceptable harm to pedestrian or highway safety. The proposal is therefore acceptable in public safety terms.”

“Councillor Angela Morey noted the planning history and considered that the previous reasons for refusal had been overcome. She subsequently moved that planning permission be refused for the following reason:”

“The proposals would occupy valuable walkway space, restricting the flow of pedestrian movement and hindering accessibility for individuals with mobility issues, serve as a distraction, and obstruct pedestrians views, thereby exacerbating safety risks for pedestrians, contrary to CS1 of the South Gloucestershire Local Plan Core Strategy and PSP11 of the South Gloucestershire Local Plan: Policies, Sites and Places Plan.”

“On being put to a vote, the motion, which was seconded by Councillor Michael Brell was CARRIED (5:3:0) and…”