These ‘information hubs’ are basically large, double-sided TV screens which, in some locations, would replace unused telephone boxes. We are told (by the applicant) that they will broadcast ‘community news’, local authority information, but for 95% of airtime, commercial advertising.  Three metres high, 1.25 metres wide and 35 centimetres thick, they will additionally provide free outgoing 999 phone calls, ultrafast wi-fi, USB ports to recharge your mobile device and environmental sensors. I have recently spent a day in Northampton and seen the detriment to the street scene that these (and other similar) devices cause.  

We feel that they all should be refused but those away from listed buildings or conservation areas may be approved.  

 

The chosen sites are:-

1. Amenity Land Old Foundry Road to replace a bank of three BT phone boxes. No objection.

2. Highway land outside 56 Westgate Street*. Unnecessary in this historic location as there is an ‘Information monolith’ nearby.  We suggest that the application is refused.

3. Highway land opposite 6 Civic Drive*. This would be a distraction to drivers on an extremely busy road.  An electronic billboard further down Civic Drive has been refused on these grounds. 

4. Highway land outside 283 Duke Street*. Very close to the street and thus distracting. A better site is by the nearby layby.

5. Highway land outside Electric House*. This site in the busy bus station is potentially acceptable.

6. Land adjacent to Waterloo House, Lloyds Avenue. Historic area. Refuse

7. Amenity adjacent to 19-21 Neptune Quay*. The plaza outside the University Waterfront Building, a Conservation Area. We recommend refusal

8. Highway land outside 46-48 Buttermarket*. An inappropriate town centre site, so we recommend refusal.

 

*All proposals marked with an asterisk* do not replace BT phone boxes.

Mike Cook

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