BT street hub at 47-48 Regent Street, Swindon

“The application site is an area of adopted highways controlled land, located on the pavement outside of 47 – 48 Regent Street in the Town Centre. This section of Regent Street is a busy pedestrian only area which can be described as an ‘arterial route’ for pedestrian shoppers in Swindon town centre. The street scene context immediate to the application site is generally commercial and comprises of a number of shops, commercial services.”

“The application seeks planning permission Installation of 1no. BT Street Hub. The application has been submitted in conjunction with advertisement consent application (S/ADV/25/0807) to display 2no. digital 75" LCD display screens, one on each side of the proposed BT Street Hub unit.”

“Relevant Planning History and Associated Applications: Application Number: S/25/0549 Status: Granted Description: Installation of 1no. BT Street Hub and removal of associated BT payphones. Application Number: S/ADV/25/0550 Status: Granted Description: Installation of 2no. digital 75" LCD display screens, one on each side of the Street Hub unit. Application Number: S/25/0551 Status: Granted Description: Installation of 1no.”

“Description: Installation of 1no. BT Street Hub and removal of associated BT payphones. Application Number: S/ADV/25/0755 Status: Pending Description: Installation of 2no. digital 75" LCD display screens, one on each side of the Street Hub unit. Application Number: S/25/0756 Status: Refused Description: Installation of 1no. BT Street Hub and removal of associated BT payphones.”

“In tandem, Policy SD1 require the proposals should support the growth of the local economy and complement Town Centre regeneration. Policy IN3 states that proposals for ICT and telecommunications developments shall be supported provided that they are appropriately sited and that development should where possible make provision to incorporate super-fast broadband.”

“It is considered that the proposal would support the growth of the local economy, it would comprise a modern and beneficial update of existing BT Technology and would complement Town Centre regeneration in line with the policies and guidance above.”

“Visual Impact and Design 8.7 Para 135(c) of the NPPF advises that planning decisions should ensure that development is sympathetic to local character and history, including the surrounding built environment. This is reflected in policies S1 and DE1 of the Local Plan, which seek that development is of high quality design, responding to existing context and character.”

“Officers are therefore satisfied that there would be no detrimental impact on visual and aural amenity in the immediate vicinity for the display of advertisement, in accordance with the Polices and Guidance set out above.”

“Consultees 6.1 Highways Department (25 th July 2025): No objection. No highways safety concerns identified.”

“Councillor Milner-Barry Councillor Milner-Barry (22 nd July 2025): Objection. Due to (in summary), Impact upon the character and appearance of the area. Pedestrian and vehicle safety. Use of energy/strain on the grid. Anti-social behaviour. Cumulative impact.”

“A qualified highways officer has examined the proposals and formed their view based upon the information available. • Industry norms govern the assessment of advertising screens in terms of lighting level and pattern. No specific nighttime assessment has been undertaken. • No specific information has been submitted to indicate how the advertising screens will be utilised, beyond the fact that 1000 hours per year will be reserved for local advertisers.”

“The details submitted by the applicant refer to a professional lighting guide, to which the proposed Hub would adhere. Conditions are included in the Case Officer’s report regarding the advertising consent application that would satisfy them as to the safety of the proposed Hub.”

“Councillor Matthew Courtliff proposed that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in in the Case Officer’s report. Councillor Rob Heath seconded the motion. Five Members were in favour of the proposal, four were opposed and one abstained.”

“Resolved – That planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report.”