CONNEXIN
The Parish Council is aware that Connexin signs have appeared around the village.
In response, the Parish Council contacted Connexin last week to suggest that they consider a meeting for parishioners to ask questions and/or raise concerns. Should Connexin arrange a meeting, the Parish Council will publicise this on AAT and the Parish Council website.
Councillor Gateshill (one of our Ward Councillors) has contacted the ERYC planning department on our behalf regarding the situation. The response received from the Planning Department confirms that, under Permitted Development Rights, Connexin can erect telegraph poles without applying for permission.
Permitted development:
Most minor forms of installation are permitted development and do not need planning permission. This includes development such as; the installation of additional antenna on existing masts, equipment cabinets of less than 2.5 cubic metres and all broadband related development and cabinets.
The developer will notify us [ERYC] in writing of their intention to install telecommunications apparatus. Development in this category is permitted by law, and does not require an application to, consultation with, or determination by us. It is the developer’s responsibility, not ERYCs, to notify property owners of any works.
The prior approval procedure allows the council to approve or refuse details of the siting and appearance of the installation. The ‘siting’ and ‘appearance’ of the proposal are the only factors that can be considered under an application for prior approval. No other matters can be considered.
There are 3 Ward Councillors representing our area on the East Riding Council: Diana Stewart, Kevin Beaumont and Bernard Gateshill. Mr Stuart has advised residents to contact Ward Councillors with any concerns regarding the proposed telegraph poles. The Ward Councillors contact details can be found by clicking on the following links:
Ward Councillor Bernard Gatehill
Ward Councillor Kevin Beaumont
Our local MP, Graham Stuart, has replied to a number of residents with a written response from the Minister for Housing and Planning, Rachel Maclean MP. This response is available on this link for clarity – Response from Graham Stuart MP
Most importantly, the advice from Mr Stuart is to contact ERYC planning department via email planning@eastriding.gov.uk to express any concerns you may have.
Some residents have signed a petition to Parliament created by neighbouring MP, Karl Turner which addresses the proliferation of telegraph poles without consultation or planning permission. This petition can be found here https://www.karlturnermp.org.uk/planning-permission-for-telecomm/
The email address for Connexin is build-enquiries@connexin.co.uk and the postal address is Unit 4B, Earls Court, Henry Boot Way, Hull, HU4 7DY.
The Parish Council are in communication with Connexin, seeking to establish full details of size and location of the proposed telegraph poles. Connexin’s initial response is summarised below: –
Parish Council communication with Connexin – Summary
- Connexin has committed to ‘hosting a community drop in, in which residents can speak to us and raise any questions or concerns they may have’.
- Connexin will book the Village Hall for [it] and send out letters to residents with time and dates.
- Connexin is working with BT’s Openreach. They state that although KCOM has offered use of underground infrastructure it is ‘not governed by the same regulation as Openreach’ and can consequently add ‘hidden charges and fees which, in effect, make use of their equipment prohibitive’
- Connexin do not propose to install any new telegraph poles within the Tickton Conservation Areas.
- The telegraph poles are 10m in length and will be 1.8m under ground.
- Regarding visual amenity – it is ‘one of the primary considerations in choosing whether to use poles and where to locate them. We only use poles where it is not possible to access pre-existing underground ducting due to availability, or prohibitive cost. We must also consider lines of sight, the location of pre-existing utilities, including electricity, water and gas and the impact on road users, including pedestrians’.
- In relation to there being a ‘need’ for a new broadband supplier ‘Our research in Hull and the East Riding showed that a very significant majority of people wanted a choice of providers as they know this improves quality of service and reduces consumer prices. At the moment, there are BT customers in your area still being forced to use older copper services which are not fit for purpose in today’s market. Both BT and KCOM have chosen to provide poorer quality, slow speed services and have held their prices high. We expect they may well enhance their services in Tickton once they realise Connexin is building locally. That is one of the side benefits of us bringing our service to the area.’
- Pole locations – ‘Current legislation means that we are granted permits to build by the County Council. We are not required to consult on the location of each pole. Having said that we always do our best to avoid disruption and pole locations which may cause distress to residents. Unfortunately, competitive pressures and other reasons mean that we prefer not to share our overview plans and at present they are still confidential. We do however deliver letters to the homes we expect to be affected by the poles directly in which we provide our contact details should the occupants wish to know the specific pole location chosen in reference to their property’
- Residents who wish to know where poles will be erected near their properties can email build-enquiries@connexin.co.uk
The Parish Council will continue to communicate with Connexin to ask any further questions that arise.
PUBLIC MEETING
A Public Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 1st March 2023 commencing at 7:30pm in the Methodist Chapel. The meeting is an opportunity for residents to come together to discuss their concerns and decide on any actions going forward.
The Clerk is part time and may not be able to immediately respond to enquiries.
Please return to the website for updates and new information.
Thank you.