Solar-powered phone box plans get disconnected

PLANS for several solarpowered telephone boxes with wheelchair access in Swansea city centre have been refused at an appeal.

The Welsh Government Planning Inspectorate dismissed the scheme earlier this month, when it went to appeal after Swansea Council turned down the plans in August.

Infocus Public Networks Limited wanted to install 15 solar-powered telephone kiosks suitable for wheelchair access. They would have consisted of a black steel framework with clear polycarbonate toughened glass to provide a largely transparent appearance while also providing shelter to users.

Infocus Public Networks Limited wanted to place five of them along Oxford Street and kiosks in other locations such as Plymouth Street, Whitewalls, Princess Way, Union Street, Portland Street and Castle Street. While they would have been of a scale comparable to that of traditional telephone kiosks, the planning inspector Richard Jenkins concluded they were not suitable for the city centre.

Mr Jenkins said: “The advantages of the solar powered telecommunications infrastructure are clear and merit significant weight in the determination of the appeals.

“However, such advantages clearly need to be considered within the context of their effect upon the character and appearance of the area, as well as the safety and convenience of pedestrians.

“In considering the siting and appearance of the proposed structures, it is material to note the availability of other telecommunications facilities within the area and the major regeneration and public realm enhancement projects that are currently taking place within Swansea city centre. Such ongoing projects seek to provide a quality public realm by enhancing the pedestrian environment.”

He added pop-up markets and food stalls within the area would be impeded by such kiosks, concluding: “I consider there to be little doubt that the development would be to the detriment of the free flow of pedestrians in the area.”