Anger at plans to install high-tech BT Street Hubs in Cirencester

British Telecom (BT) has requested permission from Cotswold District Council to bring street hubs around the town centre.

The hubs, which stand three metres high, would bring free WiFi, free phone calls and a place for people to charge their mobile phones in locations around the town centre. 

The units - proposed in Dyer Street, Cricklade Street and in the Brewery Car Park near Tesco - are the modern form of the existing telephone boxes, of which many in the town centre are no longer in operation or are rarely used.

But the planning applications have not gone down well with residents. 

Writing to the council, one resident said: “Cirencester attracts tourists from all over the world, who come to see the beautiful old buildings and landscape. 

READ MORE: Plans revealed for BT street hubs around Cirencester and near Tesco

An artist's impression of a proposed BT Street Hub in the Brewery Car Park near Tesco (Image: BT)

“Installing large, bright, moving displays with flagrant advertising are not in keeping with the area at all. 

“There is no requirement for such displays, it's a commercial proposition of no benefit to residents and visitors alike.”

A Standard reader said on Facebook: “There will be awful light pollution from these units. It is not in character with the town at all.”

An artist's impression of a proposed BT Street Hub in action (Image: BT)

Another comment reads: “BT wants this built but I still can't get superfast broadband to my address. I've been waiting seven years so I had to get an outsider in.”

Meanwhile, Tony Berry, the leader of the CDC Conservative group, believes that depending on where the hubs are built, they could be a positive addition to the town.

“This plan is interesting and I think it would be good to have them but where they are built is very important,” he said. 

“I can't see our planning department allowing one being built in front of a listed building. 

“I also don't think our residents would want it there either, so the Market Place is just a no-no to start with. 

“Having said this both Cricklade Street, Dyer Street and perhaps the car parks would probably be ok if it was tastefully done.  

“If the plans improve the signal in Cirencester, then yes please!”

According to the plans, existing phone boxes in Coates Lane, the Brewery Car Park near Tesco, and Spitalgate Lane would be removed.

The application says the street hub advertisements would be active until January 2028 and each display is powered by 100 per cent renewable carbon-free energy.

According to BT, the street hub project would help “future-proof” the town centre, making it “smarter and safer”. The hubs also include sensors to count pedestrians and bicycles, and monitor air quality.

A spokesperson for BT said: “The Street Hub will help future-proof the high street, making them smarter, safer, and more sustainable. Investment in the high street is at an all-time low, but that hasn’t slowed BT down as they look to ramp up their rollout of new Street Hubs across the UK.”

You can comment on the plans by visiting the district council’s planning website and search 23/00256/FUL (Dyer Street), 23/00258/FUL (Cricklade Street) and 23/00199/FUL (Brewery Car Park). 

You can comment on plans until February 28, 2023.