Plans for new communication kiosk in Eastbourne refused

The bid, if approved, would have seen it installed on land outside 16 Cornfield Road.

According to the planning application, the new kiosks would have allowed users to make free calls to all numbers except for international calls, which are paid for by credit/debit card payments.

It would also have featured ‘Interactive Wayfinding and Public Information’ and a defibrillator.

Emergency numbers, including telephone numbers for the police, ambulance service, and the fire service would also have been displayed alongside a ‘Need Help button’ which would include information and contact details for support services including for abuse and addiction such as The Samaritans.

However, the bid was refused by planning officers who stated the new kiosk would have a ‘detrimental impact upon the visual amenity of the area’.

Their report stated: “The design of the kiosk has a traditional approach influenced by historic phone boxes; this design would introduce a bulky, visually prominent structure into the streetscape within the town centre area

which has in recent years been redeveloped.

"The proposal would add a substantial piece of street furniture to an already busy pedestrian environment; there is street lights, highway information poles, pay and display machine, a bench, refuse and recycling bin, planters and street trees within the vicinity of the proposed kiosk.

“The cumulative impact of existing seating, and other installations means that introducing a kiosk of this scale would contribute to street clutter, impeding the sense of openness

“While the inclusion of a defibrillator and public telephone service is acknowledged, these benefits do not outweigh the harm identified to the visual character and quality of the public realm.

"The proposal would have a detrimental impact upon the visual amenity and character of the area and is therefore found to be discordant with national and local planning policies.”