Agenda item

MJC introduced the application, at committee because CBC is the applicant.  In accordance with this, if Members grant planning consent, it will be need to be ratified by the government to ensure the Council isn’t abusing its power.

Public Speaking:

None.

Member debate:

KS:  supports the application – considers it an innovative idea, and the phone boxes need to be used (although when she tried to use one recently, her money got stuck).  It’s good that they will stay in the Promenade, and this application is to be welcomed. 

BD:  pointed out that the proposed signs regarding the nearest working phone boxes shown on the drawing on the wall are incorrect – there is another one  a lot closer on St George’s Road.  Would like to see a picture of what the finished phone boxes will look like.  Hopes they will still look like phone boxes, as visitors like to take pictures of them.

PT:  is intrigued that one of the phone boxes will house a metered electrical supply.  Also thinks it a good idea to keep one working phone.

MJC, in response:

-          the electrical supply is to aid the markets on the Promenade – they will be able to hook up, and not have to reply on generators; thus the phone box will serve a dual use;

-          regarding working phone boxes, there is a requirement to provide a certain number of these, but this is not part of the planning requirement.  There are other working phone boxes in the town centre, functioning and accessible;

-          the phone boxes will still be red and look as they do now, but will be completely refurbished, with doors re-hung, re-glazed etc;  they will still read as red phone boxes, but in better condition;

-          there will be signs on the phone boxes, stating that they are now managed by The Wilson, and directing people to the nearest public phone box.

BD:  asked if these signs will be on the outside.

MJC, in response:

-          this is described clearly in the report – they will be on the inside.

HM:  asked for confirmation that they will still be red – they should be, as befits their iconic status.

BF:  said the proposal was a novel idea and would be better than ‘dead’ phone boxes.

RG:  is glad the phone boxes are being taken away in stages and not all at once.

GB:  when they are used for art exhibitions, will people still go inside them to look at the art, and will they be locked at night?  People have been known to use phone boxes for anti-social purposes.

MJC, in response:

-          they will be used for art installations, and this most likely means people will go inside them to appreciate the art;

-          is concerned that Members are straying into micro-management – this is a good scheme, and if Members accept, the phone boxes will be improved, managed and looked after a lot better than they are now.

Vote on officer recommendation to permit

14 in support – unanimous

PERMIT