Superfast broadband cabinet agreed outside pub near Chester Racecourse

Oct 20 2011 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

A SUPERFAST broadband cabinet was proposed near a city pub.

BT Openreach told planning officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council it was seeking approval to install the cabinet in front of The Watergate Inn, New Crane Street.

The cabinet would be at the rear of a footpath against the boundary wall and railings of the racecourse.

It would be painted dark green.

No objections were raised by highway officers given the width of the pavement.

Conservation specialists said they had no objection as the cabinet would not be located in a highly sensitive part of the internationally important city centre conservation area.

There were no listed buildings in the immediate vicinity.

The application was advertised on site but no representations were raised.

The equipment is part of the Government’s Digital Britain project according to a report.

The dark green colour of the cabinet would meet the conservation officer’s preference, planners pointed out.

The installation would be a significant distance from any residential properties and would preserve the character of that part of the conservation area.

Planning officers recommended that no objection should be raised to the installation.

This was agreed by the borough council.