BT Street Hub at Pavement On Broad Street, Staple Hill

What was proposed

The application proposed one new BT Street Hub providing public connectivity, calls, charging, emergency services and digital advertising displays.

“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? (para 5.5-5.7) 1.THE PROPOSAL 1.1The application seeks permission for the installation of 1no. new BT Street Hub. The application is essentially a resubmission of P25/00532/F in a different location.”

“1.3The units offer free public Wi-Fi, free UK calls, USB charging, an emergency services button and a range of other digital services for those in the vicinity. There would also be HD displays on the sides which are used for advertising. It is confirmed that the signage has already been installed and that this is a retrospective application. The fascia signs are positioned approximately 2.8 metres high.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier hub application and a related advertising application were refused, while a new advertising application was being considered alongside this proposal.

“OFFTEM 3.RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY 3.1P25/00532/F – Proposed installation of 1no. new BT Street Hub. Refused 16.05.2025 3.2P25/00525/ADV - Display of 2no. internally illuminated Digital Display Screens. Refused 16.05.2025 3.3The application is also being considered concurrently with P26/00638/ADV - Display of 2no. internally illuminated Digital Display Screens at the same site.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval, considering the relocated hub visually acceptable and unlikely to cause unacceptable highway or public safety harm.

“OFFTEM 5.7The site is located within a busy commercial street environment. The siting of the proposed BT Street Hub in line with other existing street furniture would help maintain the flow of pedestrian movement without causing any significant issue. The proposed Street Hub would be positioned away from the carriageway edge and would not materially interfere with pedestrian visibility, vehicle sightlines, road signs, traffic signals or crossing points.”

“Additionally, moving the hub approximately 1.5 metres further away from the church entrance door would provide more space in exceptional circumstances, such as where a large number of people may need to exit the building within a short period of time. 5.9Overall, 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.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative of the Salvation Army and the ward councillor spoke against the proposal, raising concerns about obstruction, safety, signage and anti-social behaviour.

Members’ debate

A member considered the previous refusal reasons overcome, but moved refusal because the hub would restrict pedestrian movement, accessibility and views and create safety risks.

“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.”

Minutes

The vote

The refusal motion, seconded by Councillor Michael Brell, was carried by five votes to three, with no abstentions recorded.

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

Minutes