Planning application for BT Street Hub on LL - unnecessary at best.

[concorde]

Whilst reading about what was Poundland, I saw that BT has applied to install (block the pavement with) one of its large screen advertising 'street hubs' outside the building. This seems like a terrible idea in my opinion - others may disagree - but you might want to look at the planning application and comment. There is still a day or two to do so. 

Here's the relevant application 25/AP/2825 https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=T3G4H5KBH1500 and how it will look https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/files/BDF327FA0103A31946387A251B9C9D45/pdf/25_AP_2825-ELEVATION_PLAN-4143504.pdf

[ianr]

I see from the Site Notice https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/files/B867B0B45973C03BE4D45CE4513BDE35/pdf/25_AP_2825-SITE_NOTICE-4151698.pdf that the "Comment by" date is 5 November.

My understanding is that comments submitted after that date can and ?will still be considered if the decision-making hasn't yet been done; so I wouldn't let the date in itself deter you if you  want to comment now.   Was the site notice actually posted near the location, btw?

Does the hub have any claimed functions other than advertising?

Edited 2 hours ago by ianr

[Penguin68]

Yes, there's no way anyone would want a Wi-Fi hub in Lordship Lane. Absolutely pointless. Anyone who actually wants or needs to communicate or access data will already have their 5G phone or satellite phone on them to get fast data. And of course we are lucky that we have such a strong and unbroken mobile signal from all suppliers locally. With no dead spots. 

[Azalea]

Pointless unless Southwark will make money from this being erected.  If that’s the case, it will be allowed.

[ianr]

 Do mobile phone users have any reception problems in that part of LL?

PS There's a BT brochure about them at https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/files/9C2ACB97B33D4EE9E2D88FF630639C14/pdf/25_AP_2825-STREET_HUBS_BEYOND_CONNECTION_V2.1-4143500.pdf

From which: "Street Hubs are free-standing structures featuring digital HD display screens on two sides. The screens display content at 10-second intervals, both the commercial content that funds the service as well as a wide range of local community and council content."

and

"Advertising for businesses of all sizes Street Hubs represent the latest in advertising platforms – an affordable, accessible digital advertising solution that specifically targets Street Hubs close to small businesses."

I think if I saw one of the local businesses flashing their ads at me while out peaceably walking in my neighbourhood I'd almost certainly be put off using them.

Edited 1 hour ago by ianr

[Sue]

27 minutes ago, ianr said:

I see from the Site Notice https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/files/B867B0B45973C03BE4D45CE4513BDE35/pdf/25_AP_2825-SITE_NOTICE-4151698.pdf that the "Comment by" date is 5 November.

My understanding is that comments submitted after that date can and ?will still be considered if the decision-making hasn't yet been done; so I wouldn't let the date in itself deter you if you  want to comment now.   Was the site notice actually posted near the location, btw?

Does the hub have any claimed functions other than advertising?

I'm getting "document unavailable" when I click on that link?

[Alec1]

It's not exactly blocking the pavement.  No more so than the bicycle chained up in the foreground.  Whilst the majority may not need it, the minority might.  It's definitely not very aesthetically pleasing, but less intrusive than piles of lime bikes lying around. 

[ianr]

Files attached here. 🙂  The files do seem still available at the link concorde provided above.

site_notice.pdf BT_brochure.pdf

[Angelina]

Benefits include free phone calls, wifi, charging points, information etc.

What's the problem?

 

[Penguin68]

NIMBY - apparently 

[Angelina]

does seem to take up a width of the pavement that could be better used (i.e. we have to walk around it)  and I'm not sure we need advertising on the pavements. Perhaps there are benefit's I don't know of.

[Dogkennelhillbilly]

49 minutes ago, Angelina said:

Benefits include free phone calls, wifi, charging points, information etc.

What's the problem?

 

They're big and ugly electronic advertising boards. There's a shagged out phone box across the road that could do the same thing!