Illuminated digital advertising hub at Pavement opposite 66-67 The Esplanade, Weymouth

“Description of Development 5.1 Advertisement 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 on the promenade/walkway which runs along the northern side of The Esplanade, being in the middle of the promenade, opposite 66 & 67 The Esplanade, and King’s Statue (George III), with the café/kiosk known as The View being approximately 20m to the southeast. It is within Weymouth’s Defined Development Boundary (DDB), the Weymouth Town Centre Strategy Area (WEY1), and The Esplanade South (WEY5).”

“P/ADV/2024/02760 - Decision: GRA - Decision Date: 05/07/2025 Install internally illuminated double sided digital advertising panel to replace existing advertising drum…”

“It is considered that the proposed development by reason of its siting, scale, design, colour and appearance would add to the proliferation of street furniture (despite the removal of the existing telephone box) and other paraphernalia on the sea front and as a result of the inbuilt LED advertisement screens would be a visually prominent addition which would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”

“Whilst public benefits have been identified and could be secured by planning condition the weight to be attached to these is considered to be limited. It is considered that despite the limited weight which can be attached to the public benefits that is not sufficient to outweigh the less than substantial harm to designated heritage assets.”

“Recommend that a condition be placed to prevent intermittent/flashing lights, exposed cold cathode tubing, animation or reflective material, and that a lighting scheme be submitted to the Local Planning Authority for agreement. Dorset Council - Asset & Property No comments received. Dorset Council Conservation Officer There is no objection to the removal of the existing BT Payphone. However, the proposed installation of 1no.”

“Any Wi-Fi, 5G should be correct technology and to be maintained by provider. Dorset Council - Env. Services - Protection: No adverse comment. Weymouth Town Council The Council objects to the application on the grounds of layout and density, design, visual appearance and materials, and the impact on the Conservation Area. This is subject to Weymouth not losing out on WiFi enhancement. Melcombe Regis Ward Member No comments received. 8.”

“Summary of Recommendation: Refuse. Decision: That the application be refused for the following reason: The proposed BT Street Hub would be a harmful addition to the historically sensitive and significant Esplanade promenade within the Weymouth Town Centre Conservation Area, given its siting, scale, design, appearance and colour with inbuilt LED screens being visually intrusive, adding to the proliferation of street furniture and being read alongside existing LED…”