BT Street Hub at Pavement opposite 66-67 The Esplanade, Weymouth

“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 advertising screens which have been installed along the Esplanade.”

“Planning permission 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. It has been confirmed during the life of the application that the unit would provide 5G and Wi-Fi transmission/coverage.”

“Highway impacts, safety, access and parking The proposal would be acceptable in terms of impact to highway safety, with conditions required to ensure the units would not be distracting to road users. Crime / Policing The unit would be acceptable, where a Anti-Social Behaviour Management Plan is conditioned. Environmental Implications Given the scale and nature of the proposal, it is not considered there would be any environmental or ecological impacts. 4.”

“The Weymouth Town Centre Conservation Area Character Appraisal (2012) shows a number of key views in the local area, particularly from the beach towards the Esplanade. The site is identified in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and the Environment Agency’s National Flood Maps for Planning as being at risk of flooding now and in the future.”

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

“Representations received 1 objection has been received and 1 comment. Summary of comments of objections: - While some "useful" features -Wi-Fi, public information ads may be included to make it palatable, it will be essentially be a brightly lit screen scrolling advertisement. - The units would be a distraction, and are in total contrast to the old buildings, the Victorian shelters, the simple wooden cafes and decks.”

“Having had the opportunity to debate the merits of the application several members expressed that although they recognised the benefits of the application, it did not outweigh the harm caused to the setting of the Conservation Area.”

“It was proposed by Cllr Northam and seconded by Cllr Wheller, that the application be refused.”