26 February 2026
Street Record, Rheast Bridson, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 1jd
Appeal against the refusal for the installation of 3 telegraph poles to provide fibre optic connectivity to 1-6 Rheast Bridson Peel
Installation of 3 telegraph poles to provide fibre optic connectivity to 1-6 Rheast Bridson Peel
Click a button above to find applications similar to this one.
See how this application compares to similar ones — policies, conditions, and outcomes side by side.
A resident from 6 Rheast Bridson, Peel strongly objects to the installation of 3 telegraph poles for fibre optic connectivity due to low wires over their driveway and negative visual impact on the bungalow streetscene.
Key concern: negative visual impact on streetscene character contrary to General Policy 2 (b & c)
Resident at 6 Rheast Bridson Peel
ObjectionI strongly object to the installation of the 3 Poles to provide Fibre Optic Connectivity to my property.; the wires going directly over my driveway and into the corner of my single storey garage appear to be very low and therefore my high van would not be able to park on my driveway.; It would also be contrary to General Policy 2 (b & c) of the strategic plan 2016.; I note that other similar planning applications across the island have been refused on this basis so it is important that a consistent approach is taken in this regard.; If the wires are low and intrusive to my land then I will be seeking waylaw compensation.
The original application for 3 telegraph poles was recommended for approval by the planning officer but refused unanimously by the Planning Committee on 26 August 2025 for negative visual impact on the street scene contrary to GP2(b), (c), (h). The appellant argued poles are familiar street furniture, comply with policies, previous approvals exist, and national telecoms strategy benefits outweigh impacts. The inspector acknowledged limited harm to character and appearance but found national need for ultrafast broadband under IP3 and government plans decisively outweighed harms in this urban context. Recent refused precedents in different locations were distinguished. The appeal was allowed on 26 February 2026 subject to conditions for timely implementation and removal of redundant infrastructure.
Precedent Value
Establishes that in suburban/urban residential streets, national ultrafast broadband need under IP3 can override limited visual/character harms from new telegraph poles where undergrounding is impractical. Future applicants should emphasise government strategies, technical evidence, and site-specific urban context to distinguish from sensitive/rural refusals.
Inspector: Frances Mahoney MRTPI IHBC
