Defibrillator hubs appeals after council refused 'clutter'

The applications were made in December to install several communication hubs in Ipswich - each equipped with USB charging ports, WiFi, free phone and a defibrillator.

While permission was granted for a hub on land outside NCP car park in Tacket Street, the applications for hubs at 80 Civic Drive, 1-7 Old Cattle Market, close to the Buttermarket, and 39-41 Carr Street were refused in March.

In the Ipswich Borough Council Planning and Development Committee, the plans were discussed and the council said it would refuse advertisements that would add to the "visual clutter” of the areas and impact “public safety”.

The displays near traffic would potentially have a “distracting effect” on drivers, as they involve moving images, animation, and video, which result in an “unnecessary risk to public safety”.

Plans for JCDecauxUK advertisement boards have been refused by Ipswich council. (Image: JCDecauxUK)

In their appeals, JCDecaux UK argued that the modern features could "contribute to the attractiveness" of the town centre, and contribute to creating a healthy retail scene.

The scale of the displays would also be appropriate to the "pedestrian environment" without appearing as "overwhelming or dominant".

The proposals for the hubs, which have already been installed in cities such as Nottingham and Liverpool.

The units would provide rapid connection to emergency services, powered by green energy and lit using batteries powered by solar.

Ipswich Borough Council's planning committee discussed the plans earlier this month. (Image: IBC)

The hubs come with security measures including an automatic block where the same number is frequently called, a display of warning messages, and built-in CCTV to record misuse.

One side of the hub would include a defibrillator and touch screen, and the other an 86" advertisement board for commercial and community use, as well as public council announcements.

The appeals were submitted to the borough council in April.