Installation of BT communication hubs on several streets in Huddersfield town centre and one in Marsh

Huddersfield Civic Society is objecting to seven brightly lit BT communication hubs in Huddersfield town centre and Marsh.

BT wants to remove outdated phone kiosks and replace them with modern BT Phone hubs on several streets in Huddersfield town centre with another on Westbourne Road in Marsh. Some are in conservation areas.

The proposed seven hubs – each having two 75-inch illuminated advertisement screens – will be on Ramsden Street outside the Utilita energy premises, next to Nando’s on John William Street, next to 42 and 106 on New Street, next to 33 King Street, next to 33 Market Street and next to 55 Westbourne Road in Marsh.

BT street hubs are standalone screens installed on pavements that provide free public Wi-Fi, rapid device charging, free calls and 999 emergency services.

Mitie Telecom have put in the application on behalf of BT asking for advertisement consent for erection of 2 digital 75inch LCD advert screens (within a Conservation Area)

The planning numbers are 2026/90537, 90539, 90542, 90544, 90546, 90569, and 90571.

The proposals are to remove outdated phone Kiosks and replace them with modern BT Phone hubs which unfortunately each have two 75-inch illuminated advertisement screens as a way of funding the installations.

The Huddersfield Civic Society objection states: “We would like to object to this particular design of the newly proposed BT street hubs.

“We understand and fully support the need to progress from the current outdated phone kiosks as well as providing the public with modern communication options such as emergency phone and public Wi-Fi.

“However, the need for 75-inch high advertisement screens creates unnecessary clutter within town centre conservation areas, particularly in Huddersfield where we are progressing to a more green and pleasant surrounding through the Cultural Heart build programme.

“Even outside the conservation areas they are unsightly and allow for driver distraction.

“Surely it’s possible to provide both Wi-Fi and emergency phones without these ugly additions.’’