The original application for 4 telegraph poles was recommended for approval by the planning officer but refused by Planning Committee on 26 August 2025 (decision notice 11 September 2025) due to negative visual impact on street scene character contrary to GP2 b), c), h). Appellant argued poles are familiar infrastructure, compliant with GP2, supported by national telecoms strategies, with precedents of approvals and Highways no objection. Council defended refusal, expanding to residential amenity (GP2g) and IP3 lack of need/alternatives, citing recent dismissed appeals. Inspector found some harm to character/appearance (GP2) but this outweighed by national need for ultrafast broadband per IP3, National Broadband Plan etc.; no harm to safety or living conditions. Appeal allowed subject to conditions on 26 February 2026.

What Worked

✓National telecoms strategies/National Broadband Plan given decisive weight over local visual harm in urban settings;
✓Highways no objection and policy-compliant safety persuasive;
✓Evidence of precedents and officer support; distinction from rural/uncluttered precedents.
✓Familiarity of poles Island-wide and natural material softening impact.

What Failed

✗Local visual impact arguments (no existing poles) accepted as causing some harm but insufficient alone;
✗Residential amenity/overbearing claims rejected due to spacing/gardens;
✗Undergrounding not required if costlier without policy breach.

Precedent Value

Sets precedent that in established urban/suburban residential areas, national ultrafast broadband need (IP3) outweighs limited visual harm from telegraph poles (GP2), distinguishing from refusals in specially designed uncluttered or rural-edge estates. Applicants should emphasise government strategies, urban context, and technical compliance over local objections.

Inspector: Frances Mahoney MRTPI IHBC

Source & Provenance

Official reference: AP25/0037
Source authority: Isle of Man Government Planning & Building Control
Source system: Legacy IDOX planning platform
Official record URL: No stable public per-record URL
First indexed: 24 Mar 2026, 13:25
Last synced: 30 Mar 2026, 15:24
Licence: Isle of Man Open Government Licence

Property Planning History (2)

AP25/0037Approved2026Viewing

Appeal against the refusal for the installation of 4 telegraph poles to provide Fibre Optic connectivity to 1-19 Corrins Way & 1-27 Creggans Avenue

25/90397/BRefused2025

Installation of 4 telegraph poles to provide Fibre Optic connectivity to 1-19 Corrins Way & 1-27 Creggans Avenue