Householder angry as BT installs five feet tall box outside his home
A HOMEOWNER has told of his shock at returning from work to find a five feet tall broadband box being installed right outside his house.
When Anthony Podmore saw the workmen at his home, he was told they were installing a box for BT to speed up internet use.
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‘EYESORE’: The broadband box in front of Anthony’s house in Collis Avenue, Shelton.
But the 29-year-old, of Shelton New Road, is incensed that he wasn’t told about the ‘eyesore’ box being positioned just metres from his front door.
The property developer from Hartshill fears it could devalue his property, and is demanding to know why it was built without his knowledge.
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He said: “I don’t care if it gives me the fastest broadband in the world, they haven’t consulted me about it.
“I don’t agree with where they have put it and, if they had bothered to ask, I would tell them there are plenty of better places that don’t infringe on my property.”
The box will speed up wireless internet connection for residents across neighbouring Newcastle.
But Anthony believes it is an eyesore, and has tried to get the city council to take up the fight on his behalf.
He said: “I returned to the house one day and they were already digging it up right in front of my gate.
“It is a large green box and doesn’t blend in with the background at all.”
Now Anthony, who has lived in the property for six years, believes it will increase anti-social behaviour near the house.
He said: “We have a smaller box up the side street and it already attracts gangs of kids that come and sit on it and hang around.”
According to Stoke City Council, the local authority has no involvement with installations of this type as BT does not need planning permission.
Anthony said: “What gives them the right to just build in front of people’s houses with no input from the owner?
“If this had already been in place before I moved in, I would never have bought the house.”
A spokesman for BT said: “I can confirm this street-side cabinet is required as part of BT’s plans to bring faster fibre-based broadband to Newcastle, as part of the company’s £2.5 billion roll out of the new technology to two-thirds of the UK.
“The correct planning processes were followed in this case and no concerns were raised by the city council.”
The spokesman added: “A variety of considerations are taken into account before a cabinet is installed.
“Other locations were considered, but this was found to be the only suitable location.”
Comments
by oldmanofmow
Saturday, September 08 2012, 1:16PM
“I want one, I want one, there isnt any lampposts near my house and that would be ideal for my dog to use..........”
by oldmanofmow
Saturday, September 08 2012, 1:11PM
“"The box will speed up wireless internet connection for residents" Yer right, since when does "wireless" internet come through "wires" lol.”
by Alberus
Saturday, September 08 2012, 10:25AM
“Man that's a big big box. In this age of ever-increasing miniaturisation, digital circuitry, chips and pin-head wizardry, is that the best they could do? It's like a ruddy Tardis stuck there. That's just about the worst example of metal bashing I've seen since Gormley's Man of the North. And that British Racing Green paint job. Who did that, the BT manager's five year old kid with her poster paints? That piece of kit was surely designed to be hidden away in an underground bunker, never in public view. I don't know why Mr Podmore's moaning, he can't see it from his house. What about the poor sods across the road?”
by Junier2012
Saturday, September 08 2012, 2:33AM
“@by r1ch04 I hear he worked for cMaccy d 's as the next burger bashing clown”
by Junier2012
Saturday, September 08 2012, 2:22AM
“Just also to add, they do not need his consent to install a box as his property ends where the hedge is...... the highway, pavements etc etc are authorities property and they are free to with as they wish”
by Junier2012
Saturday, September 08 2012, 2:20AM
“woopeeeedooooooooooo a BB box at the end of the garden does he think the fairies are gonna come trapseing on his garden , bet he uses BB its hardly the worlds end :)) Oh and come to look at the WHOLE Picture is that his hedge? seems to be hiding the box so what is he moaning about.........”
by Tabazan
Friday, September 07 2012, 10:18PM
“"We have a smaller box up the side street and it already attracts gangs of kids that come and sit on it and hang around."
I don't know if you are reading this Mr Podmore, but a 'friend' of mine - who was having similar trouble with unruly teenagers sitting on a box that was directly outside his house – eliminated the problem by smearing grease over the top of the box. I'm told that it worked a treat.
But I'm not suggesting for one minute that you actually go out and do this yourself of course.
Wink.”
by FibreMoaner
Friday, September 07 2012, 9:28PM
“1) BT doesn't need planning permission unless the area is a conservation area. BT has code powers under the Electronic Communications Code http://tinyurl.com/d6bhppo to place the cab on public (highway) land without public consultation.
2) The Highway authority is unlikely to have had any objection as the cab doesn't restrict/impede on pedestrians passing nor does the cab obstruct vehicle sight lines from the junction.
I'm glad the guy's name is mentioned in the story. Here's hoping that some of his neighbours after better broadband give him a piece of there minds!!!”
by stokeandvale
Friday, September 07 2012, 8:47PM
“Anyone noticed the grey box in the picture?
Hope they are not breeding....lol”
by DJofTNE
Friday, September 07 2012, 4:59PM
“Bet the mans got broadband”