Two digital display screens at 47-48 Regent Street, Swindon

What was proposed

The application sought consent for two digital 75-inch LCD screens, one on each side of a new BT Street Hub unit.

“The application seeks advertisement consent to display 2no. digital 75" LCD display screens, one on each side of a new BT Street Hub unit. The application has been submitted in conjunction with a full planning application (S/25/0806) to install the associated BT Street Hub.”

“NB: This Advertisement Consent application relates solely to the display of 2no. digital 75" LCD display screens. Installation of the BT hub in its own rights is considered within the associated planning application.”

Officer report

Related applications

There was no relevant site history, but several similar wider-area applications had been granted, refused or remained pending.

“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.”

“Application Number: S/ADV/25/0753 Status: Pending Description: Installation of 2no. digital 75" LCD display screens, one on each side of the Street Hub unit. Application Number: S/25/0754 Status: Pending 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.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the screens would fit the commercial setting and would not harm visual, aural or public amenity.

“National Planning Practice Guidance states that “amenity” is usually understood to mean the effect on visual and aural amenity in the immediate neighbourhood of an advertisement or site for the display of advertisements, where residents or passers-by will be aware of the advertisement.”

“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.”

Officer report

Safety and other concerns

Highways officers found adequate pedestrian space, while proposed controls on brightness and content would avoid glare and dazzle.

“The Highways Team have been consulted on this application and raise no objection to the proposal on highways safety grounds. This section of Regent Street is a pedestrian only area. The Highways Officer advises that the new equipment is proposed in a section of the public footway leaving adequate width on either side, not obstructing access to shops or free movement along Regent Street.”

“The Highways Officer has also recommended a suite of conditions to control the intensity of the illumination and content of the digital advertisements, to avoid dazzle and glare in the interests of safety. Officers are therefore satisfied that (subject to the planning conditions set out in this report), there would be no detrimental impact upon public safety in accordance with the Polices and Guidance set out above.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Highways Department raised no objection subject to conditions, the parish council made no comment, and adjacent occupiers sent no comments.

“Consultees 6.1 Highways Department (25 th July 2025): No objection. Subject to conditions to limit the intensity of illumination and screen content.”

“Third-Party Representations 6.4 Letters were sent to occupiers of properties adjacent to the site. No comments were received. Policy and Legislative Context…”

Officer report

Objections raised

A councillor objected because of effects on character, pedestrian and vehicle safety, energy use, anti-social behaviour and cumulative impact.

“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.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No one spoke in support or against the application; the committee noted a councillor’s earlier objection.

The committee vote

A proposal to grant consent was seconded and received five votes in favour, four against and one abstention.

“Councillor Matthew Courtliff proposed that advertising consent be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report. Councillor Jake Chandler seconded the proposal. Five Members were in favour of the proposal, four were against and one abstained.”

Minutes

The final decision

Advertising consent was granted subject to the conditions in the case officer’s report.

“Resolved – That advertising consent be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report. 37.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The consent included standard advertisement conditions, approved drawings and a maximum illumination level of 600 cd/m2 between dusk and dawn.

“Express consent is granted subject to the standard conditions set out in Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007.”

“The intensity of the illumination of the digital display screen shall not exceed 600 cd/m2 between dusk and dawn in line with the maximum permitted recommended luminance as set out by 'The Institute of Lighting Professional's 'Professional Lighting Guide 05: The Brightness of Illuminated Advertisements'.”

Officer report