Wakefield Council planners have refused an application to install a communications hub containing a defibrillator, advertising screen and telephone on Westgate in the city centre.
The proposed 8.6 ft (2.63m) structure would have been placed on the pavement outside NatWest Bank. Wakefield Council said the unit would "introduce visual clutter" within the Upper Westgate Conservation Area and negatively impact nearby historic buildings.
What the hub would have offered
The application by In Focus Public Networks sought to install a multifunctional unit offering a 24-hour accessible emergency defibrillator, free calls to landlines, free Wi-Fi, interactive wayfinding, and an LED advertising display.
The applicant argued that "the traditional role of the phone box is ill-equipped for the modern digital environment" and that the hub had been designed to "bring this public service up to date" and contribute to city centre vitality.
Conservation concerns
Wakefield Civic Society objected to the scheme, citing concerns about "the proliferation of digital displays around the city centre." The organisation said the facility would "introduce an incongruous feature" to the conservation area.
The council's conservation officer also objected. The officer noted that a similar BT hub had already been installed approximately 200 ft (60m) from the proposed site, and that screens on both units would be visible together in views that include the cathedral spire and listed buildings on both sides of Westgate.
The conservation officer added that the council had recently completed pavement repairs nearby, stating: "It is important this work is not undermined by piecemeal detrimental additions and street clutter."
