Council planning row over 8ft smart hub for Cornish high street

Summarised from Falmouth Packet's report · Updated 26 Oct, 20:44 · Archive

Cornwall Council's planning department has recommended approval for an 8ft digital smart hub on a Saltash high street, despite local opposition.

The Urban Innovation Company has applied to install a Pulse smart hub with integrated digital screens on Fore Street in Saltash. The 8ft high structure would provide digital information and communications facilities, including free public wi-fi, phone charging, phone calls, a defibrillator and other medical equipment.

Cornwall Council's planning department recommended approval, saying it would not cause unacceptable harm. However, Saltash Town Council's planning committee objected to the application. Councillor Brenda Samuels, chair of the committee, said the council was concerned the hub would "adversely affect the character and appearance of Fore Street" as it would be positioned on a very active part of the town's main street.

Similar applications have been approved for other Cornish towns including Truro, Newquay, Falmouth, St Ives and Penzance, though the smart hubs have not yet been installed. Belfast is currently the only place where they are operational.

Read the report

• Council asked why it was 'forcing' an ‘intrusive’ 8ft hub on Cornish townThe Urban Innovation Company had applied to install a Pulse smart hub with integrated digital screens.Falmouth Packet · 26 Oct, 15:49

In this story: Urban Innovation Company · Cornwall Council · Saltash · Saltash Town Council · Brenda Samuels

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