Draft Objection letter for telegraph poles

Summary

INTRODUCTION and BACKGROUND:

Please see below an example letter that may help you prepare your own individual letter ... the more who object the better ... ie several can be sent from each household. There are currently 9x notices posted on Springhill Park. Objections can also be posted online.

Disclaimer: This letter is an example only and is not to be relied upon ie you should seek your own unrepentant legal advice if you feel this is necessary? For example, there is currently no mention of the fact that City fibre laid underground cables some 2-3 years ago and many residents have asked "Why cant these cables be shared?"
Because this is a proposed 9m communications pole, make the objection fairly detailed and focus on siting, visual impact, residential amenity, highway/pedestrian safety, necessity, alternative sites, and the adequacy of the notice.

One important point: the fact that the notice says the installation is under permitted development does not necessarily mean there is no opportunity to object. Certain telecommunications development is subject to prior approval or notification procedures, and the precise procedure depends on the type and location of the apparatus.
The absence of a closing date on the notice is also worth raising with the council and Openreach. The statutory telecommunications regime contains specific notification periods in certain circumstances, including a 28-day period in relevant cases.

We should send the objection to the local planning authority as soon as possible, rather than waiting for a deadline to appear.

How to object

• Objection Online Form: Use the official Openreach Pole Objection Form to submit your details digitally.
• By Post: You can write a physical letter directly to:

The Pole Objection Team
Openreach, 2nd Floor, The Plaza,
100 Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L3 9QJ

DRAFT FORMAL OBJECTION TO PROPOSED 9m TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLE

Location: Outside [address]
Reference: [add ref no]
Applicant: British Telecommunications plc / Openreach

Dear Sir/Madam,

I wish to register a formal objection to the proposed installation of a 9-metre telecommunications pole outside [ADDRESS].

While I support the provision of improved telecommunications infrastructure, I consider that the proposal, in its current form, would cause unacceptable harm to the character of the street scene and has not been sufficiently justified.

1. Visual Impact and Character of the Area
   The proposed 9-metre pole would introduce a prominent and visually intrusive structure into a predominantly residential street. Its height and appearance would be out of keeping with the surrounding environment and would adversely affect the character and appearance of the area.
   National planning policy supports high-quality design that is sympathetic to local character. The proposal does not demonstrate that the visual impact has been minimised or that this location represents the least harmful option available.
2. Residential Amenity
   Due to its proximity to nearby dwellings, the pole would create an imposing and prominent feature within the outlook of neighbouring residents. This would have a negative effect on visual amenity and the enjoyment of nearby homes and gardens.
   The applicant has not provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate why a less sensitive location could not be used.
3. Lack of Justification for the Chosen Location
   Whilst telecommunications infrastructure is generally supported in principle, operators are expected to minimise visual impact and consider alternative siting options wherever possible.
   The information currently available does not demonstrate:
   • Why this specific location is necessary;
   • Whether existing infrastructure could be utilised;
   • Whether alternative sites have been assessed; or
   • How the proposal has been designed to minimise harm to the surrounding area.
   Without this information, it is difficult to conclude that the proposal represents the most appropriate location.

Conclusion

Although improved digital connectivity is important, national policy support for telecommunications development is conditional upon infrastructure being appropriately sited and designed to minimise visual and environmental impacts.

The proposal would result in unnecessary visual harm within a residential area, and insufficient evidence has been provided to justify the chosen location or demonstrate that less intrusive alternatives have been properly considered.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that the proposal be refused, or that the applicant be required to identify and assess less visually intrusive alternatives before any approval is granted.
Please record this correspondence as a formal objection.

Yours faithfully,

[Full Name]
[Address]
[Postcode]
[Email / Telephone]