New Glengormley street hub is 'part of BT’s aspiration to upgrade the pay phone estate'

The proposal was approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee, at a meeting in Mossley Mill.

Planning officer Johanne McKendry told the committee that the proposed new facility “seeks to replace an existing BT pay phone kiosk”, which she said, “offers a more modern solution”. She indicated that it would be smaller in size and scale to the existing kiosk.

She went on to say the planning department has received no objections, there are no safety concerns and “neighbouring amenity would not be unduly affected”.

Planning consultant Luke Vogan explained that the proposal is for a “smart street hub” to be located outside ‘The Hair Room’ at Ballyclare Road on an area of “widened footpath where there are no immediate obstacles and a safe distance” from the junction with Antrim Road.

He indicated that the proposal is “part of BT’s aspiration to upgrade the pay phone estate across Northern Ireland”.

Mr Vogan noted that there have been no environmental health or road safety concerns.

He indicated that the facilities are made from “high quality and durable materials with anti-glare screens and automatic dimmers to maintain road safety at night time”. Other features, he said, will be free wi-fi, fast charge ports, wheelchair accessible tablet and a loop hearing feature.

"There is an opportunity for council to use the hubs as local community information hubs in agreement with BT,” he added.

Macedon Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster asked about the restoration of pavement and potential for distraction “close to the busiest junction in north Belfast”.

Mr Vogan replied that displays are for static images only. He stated that the process carried out by DfI Roads in response to each of these applications is “really quite extensive”.

He stressed: “In this case, they have concluded that there are no road safety concerns.”

He also pointed out that “dimming technology is designed not to be distracting for moving traffic”, adding: “all works that take place will be left as good as new,” he stated.

Glengormley DUP Councillor Alison Bennington pointed out that Glengormley is due to have a “major regeneration project” and she asked if there has been any discussion with the regeneration team.

Mr Vogan said that although there has been no discussion about this particular project, his client is “very open and sensitive to regeneration projects and will absolutely work with the council on that”.

Dunsilly Sinn Fein Councillor Henry Cushinan asked about the lifecycle of the proposed unit. He was advised that the lifecycle is 30 years but they are maintained on a bi-weekly basis, inspected and cleaned by BT engineers.

Cllr Foster asked for a condition that the street be restored “as like for like”.

Barry Diamond, the council’s head of planning, said that the council could add a condition that the pavement must be restored around the proposed unit, so it is similar.

Cllr Bennington asked for the company to consult with the regeneration team prior to any installation.

Threemilewater DUP Councillor Sam Flanagan proposed accepting recommendations to approve erection of a free-standing street hub and also for advertisement consent, seconded byThreemilewater Ulster Unionist Councillor Stephen Cosgrove. The applications were granted permission unanimously following a vote