Councillors fear the 'cluttered streetscape' is causing problems for people with impaired vision
Councillors have voiced concerns about telecoms firms being allowed to put up telegraph poles "with minimal prior notice" and cluttering the streetscape.
Last year bosses at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council voiced concerns about a proposed 300 new poles being erected to improve internet connectivity. This followed a deal to allow networks to be extended in towns across the North West, including Blackburn, Burnley, Nelson, Accrington and Blackpool.In guidance issued to councillors, seen by LancsLive, they are advised on what to say to residents if they voice objections to new telecoms infrastructure.
Councillor Yasser Iqbal has put forward a motion, backed by Naeem Ashraf, in which he said: "The Council supports the Government’s aspiration to provide gigabit broadband access across the nation. Nevertheless, the Council expresses concern over the relaxation of planning regulations by the Government to facilitate the installation of new telegraph poles as 'permitted development' to aid the expansion of various networks.
"These poles and masts are seen as unwelcome additions to the already cluttered streetscape, causing significant inconvenience to nearby residents and pedestrians, especially those with visual impairments.
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