Defibrillator hub plan refused as 'visual clutter'

Plans to install a defibrillator, advertising screen and a telephone in a city centre have been refused over concerns it would harm the character of the area.

Wakefield Council planners said the proposed communication unit would "introduce visual clutter" within a conservation area and negatively impact nearby historic buildings.

A planning application by In Focus Public Networks sought permission to install the 8.6 ft (2.63m) structure on the pavement outside NatWest Bank on Westgate.

"The traditional role of the phone box is ill-equipped for the modern digital environment," it said.

"The multifunctional hub unit has been designed to bring this public service up to date and present the next generation of communication provision that gives more to the public and can contribute to the vitality and vibrancy of city centres.

"One of the most important features is the inbuilt defibrillator, which is accessible 24 hours a day."

The unit would have offered an emergency defibrillator, free calls to landlines, free Wi-Fi and interactive wayfinding, and had an LED advertising display.

Wakefield Civic Society objected to the scheme, citing concerns about "the proliferation of digital displays around the city centre."

It said the facility would "introduce an incongruous feature" to the Upper Westgate Conservation Area, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council's conservation officer objected and said a similar BT hub had already been installed around 200 ft (60m) from the proposed site.

The officer said: "There would be screens visible on the west elevation of both units, making them visible in conjunction with each other in views from the west, which include the cathedral spire and listed buildings on both sides of Westgate."

The officer also said the council had recently carried out pavement repairs nearby, adding: "It is important this work is not undermined by piecemeal detrimental additions and street clutter."

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