PROPOSALS for the installation of two digital advertising screens in Bude have been withdrawn.

The proposals for two large advertisement boards, of which the adverts would pay for ‘public amenities’ such as a public access defibrillator, would have been located on Queen Street and The Crescent in the town.

However, these plans have been withdrawn by the applicant – meaning that they will not go ahead unless a new planning application was made.

A similar proposal in the town centre of Bodmin was also met with local objections and was subsequently withdrawn.

At the time of submitting the application, The Urban Innovation Company said: “The design of the Pulse Smart Hubs has been developed over time and is a high quality, multifunctional piece of street furniture which maximises the services available to the public within a footprint smaller than a traditional public call box.

“The Internet of Things (IoT) technology and provision of open-source data provide endless potential applications that will see the use of the Hub evolve. The two proposed digital displays form part of the offer to local stakeholders and will be made available for a wide range of public uses.

“They are a key element of the proposal as they will support the advertising required to make the scheme viable without any capital or revenue costs to the council or the public.”

The plans were met with vociferous local opposition and objections.

It was described as an ‘alien’ feature in the area by the Historic Environment planning team at Cornwall Council, who stated that its recommended conditions for the proposals would be the removal of the hub located on the Crescent and changes to the colours of the one to be located on Queen Street.

They also warned of the visual harm the digital advertising boards would have on ‘one of the oldest parts of Bude’.

The council’s Highways development management team said: “Notwithstanding the above is insurmountable therefore I recommend the Queen Street site is removed from consideration or an alternative site sought.”

Bude-Stratton Town Council also objected, stating: “We object to this application on clear planning grounds relating to highway safety, pedestrian safety, accessibility, visual impact and heritage impact.

“The proposed illuminated digital screens would be located within the Bude conservation area on constrained, heavily used town centre footways close to carriageways, crossing points and areas of frequent vehicle manoeuvring. Their visually distracting nature presents a risk to both drivers and pedestrians and is prejudicial to highway safety.

“The siting of these structures would reduce effective footway width in areas of high pedestrian activity, creating pinch points and obstructing safe movement for wheelchair users, pushchairs and those with mobility or visual impairments.

“The hubs would also introduce unnecessary light pollution, street clutter and visually intrusive digital advertising into the conservation area, harming the character and appearance of the town and detracting from the established streetscape.

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“The proposal is contrary to the principles of good design, safe access for all users, and the requirement to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of conservation areas.”