Plans to install a new 'smart hub' on a busy Kingston street have been blocked by council planners.

BT Telecommunications PLC has seen a planning application for the facility on Kingston Hill refused.

The scheme would have seen a double-sided internally illuminated 75inch LCD display screen installed on the pavement.

Designed as a modern phone box, the hubs carry huge adverts on each side as well as providing Wi-Fi and phone services.

The application received an objection from Kingston Town CAAC which said the display unit was incongruous in size and appearance, and out of keeping with the conservation area.

Refusing the application, a report from Kingston Council said: "Given the above, it is considered that the proposed advertisements installed to the hub would have an overly dominant appearance within the street scene and would appear as visual street clutter, taking into account cumulative impacts, resulting in harm to the Park Road conservation area. 

"Further, no public benefits have been identified that outweigh the harm to the conservation area."

Click here to see the application in full.

advertisement