A TRADITIONAL red phone box will be replaced by a modern digital advertising unit after national planning inspectors overturned the council’s decision.
The inspector approved plans for a BT Street Hub on Worcester High Street despite opposition from Worcester City Council.
The council initially rejected the plans along with plans for similar hubs on The Shambles and Broad Street.
Alex Mace, a Green councillor, described the outcome as “extremely disappointing” and said it “undermines local decision-making”.
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Mr Mace said: “Residents expect decisions affecting Worcester to be made by people who live and work in the city.
“The city council refused the advertising installation after looking at all the planning and conservation considerations.
“The installation would be in one of Worcester’s most historically significant areas and within our conservation area.
“Despite this, a national inspector has overturned our decision.”
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BT’s plans involve replacing a traditional red telephone box with a taller digital unit designed to display advertisements.
The inspector concluded the scheme would “cause no harm,” but Mr Mace argued that many people would disagree, as it would sit within view of the cathedral.
He also raised environmental concerns, noting that other UK and international cities are choosing to limit commercial screens and advertising in public spaces, preferring instead to introduce community messaging or greenery.
REJECTED: The New Road hub was rejected by planning inspectors. (Image: BT)
Mr Mace said: “I am worried that local communities, councillors and planning officers are being sidelined when it comes to important decisions about Worcester.
“We must protect and enhance Worcester’s unique historic character.
“We need to make sure that future development respects what makes our city special.”
Worcester City Council’s original refusal was based on planning and conservation advice.
A government planning inspector had dismissed two appeals relating to similar plans for Reindeer Court and for New Road, outside the Premier Inn and the cricket ground.
Inspector A O’Neill said a street hub would have a “bulkier appearance” than existing lampposts, benches and bollards in the area.
