Illuminated street hub at Pavement outside 104E St Mary Street, Weymouth

“Description of development 5.1 Consent is sought to replace an existing payphone kiosk with an illuminated LED advertising unit which incorporates Wi-Fi and 5G technologies, known as a ‘BT Street Hub’. The proposed hub would be approximately 1.2m W x 2.98m H x 0.35m D. The existing telephone kiosk/booth to be removed is approximately 0.9m W x 2.2m H.”

“Description of site 4.1 The application site is located toward the northern end of St Mary Street, being a pedestrianised thoroughfare in the centre of Weymouth, one block back from The Esplanade. An existing BT phone box is located on the site of the proposed development. The site is within the Weymouth Town Centre Conservation Area and is within the setting of The Black Dog Public House (Grade II*).”

“Background and relevant planning history P/PAP/2022/00737 - Decision: RES - Decision Date: 17/05/2023 Street hub unit…”

“It is this officer’s view that there would be less than substantial harm to both the Conservation Area and the setting of The Black Dog, however, it is considered that this would be on the lower end of less that substantial harm, given the various forms of advertising, lighting and street furniture in close proximity to the location proposed for the Street Hub.”

“It is noted that the recently adopted Weymouth Neighbouhood Plan establishes under policy W45 that ‘Development proposals must demonstrate, where relevant, that they respect and will cause no harm to heritage assets and their seƫting’, however, Chapter 16 of the NPPF is clear on the matter of harm, where less than substantial harm should be weighed against any public benefits.”

“Consultations All consultee responses can be viewed in full on the website. Consultees 1. Dorset Council – Highways: No objection, however concerns with the light levels/brightness both during daytime and nighttime. Level of illumination to be reduced to match ambient levels, not a constant 5000cd/m2, with night levels to be 300cd/m2. Note that there should be a mechanism to default to a blank screen in the event of malfunction/when not in use.”

“The proposal would not enhance the street scene, would have a negative impact on the neighbouring heritage assets and would have a detrimental effect on the special character and appearance of the Conservation Area 4. Dorset Council - Asset & Property: No comments received. Dorset Council Telecommunications Lead: Significant degradation in user-experience from all four mobile phone networks during summer months.”

“Weymouth Town Council: The Council supports this application and raises no objection. Melcombe Regis Ward Member: No comments received. Historic England: We suggest that you seek the views of your specialist conservation and archaeological advisers. Representations received – None…”

“Summary of Recommendation: Grant subject to the conditions. Decision: That the application be granted subject to the following conditions:”

“Before the development commences, full details of the adaptive luminance control, hours of darkness and default mechanisms scheme shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved scheme shall be implemented in full prior to the display being brought into use and shall thereafter be retained and maintained for the lifetime of the development.”