Say the InLink units would have a negative impact visually on the street

An attempt by BT to remove phone boxes from Chiswick High Road and replace them with new InLinkUK monolith structures featuring video display advertising, has been turned down.

Hounslow Council said that an application for a siting at 16, Chiswick High Road of a proposed InLink kiosk would introduce a visually incongruous addition to the street scene. As such, the proposal would have a negative impact on the visual amenity of the area.

BT had submitted a planning application to Hounslow Council for two sites, one to remove a phone box at 382-383 Chiswick High Road (opposite Rymans) and another at 16, Chiswick High Road, and replace them with the new Inlink structures.

In relation to the second application the Council said the introduction of illuminated advertisements of this size and scale would have a significant detrimental impact on the character of the Turnham Green Conservation Area.

" Advertisements of this kind are generally unacceptable in
Conservation Areas, and in this instance would lead to a glaring, visually
obtrusive and distracting addition to the public realm, in close proximity to
heritage assets such as the Locally Listed Buildings and Conservation Area."

A similar application was made to Hounslow Council for Brentford High Street. This is part of a borough wide scheme to install InLinks in 19 locations replacing BT payphones.

The InLinks carry display advertising and according to BT will also feature community information as well as providing free wifi high speed broadband.

They enable people to make free phone calls to UK numbers. InLinks have two display screens for commercial and council advertising and also can provide power-only USB ports and other features. They are designed to be accessible for all, with hearing induction loops, braille information and screen access for wheelchair users.

At 89x28cm they take up a much smaller footprint than existing phone boxes and the aim is for each new unit to replace two old boxes.

InLinkUK is a London-based technology company working in exclusive partnership with BT. They say the removal of existing payphones and installation of InLinks will provide a range of free services to enhance the public realm and improve the amenity and digital connectivity of local communities in urban areas. It will result in more space on the pavement which will benefit the local community.

January 26, 2019