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From: @manxtelecom.com> Sent: 13 August 2025 16:29 To: CO, Planning Appeals Cc: Boyd, Samuel Subject: FW: Appeal Ref AP25/0025 lodged against the decision on Planning Application
25/90377/B
Attachments: ufm22_Appellant_-_Written_SOC_invite.pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged
Dear Planning Appeals, Please see below further information to consider for planning appeal AP25/0025. Appeal Ref: AP25/0025 Applicant: Manx Telecom Proposal: Installation of 4 telegraph poles to supply fibre communications to 115-119, 123-125 and 43-51 Slieau Dhoo Tromode Address: Slieau Dhoo Tromode DouglasIsle Of Man IM2 5LF
Design and Placement Considerations
The proposed poles have been carefully sited to minimise intrusion into pedestrian pathways and to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Their placement has been selected to avoid obstructing movement and to maintain the functional width of footpaths. Existing footpaths do not meet the current highway standards though Highways Services did not object to this application and commented that the proposal has “no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and/or parking as at least 1.2m footway width is maintained around the poles.” At the design stage we have used the Telecommunications Poles Working Group Best Practice Recommendations guide as part of the planning decisions and design for this scheme. We also took in the considerations of the Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting, Code of Practice, Issue 2; November 2016. (UK Guidance for best practice). These considerations can be seen with in the application documents plans.
Visual Integration and Character Wooden telegraph poles are a longstanding and familiar feature of residential infrastructure across the Isle of Man. Manx Telecom currently utilises 2,487 of its own telegraph poles and attaches to approximately 2,500 poles from Manx Utilities’ estate, which comprises around 10,000 poles Island-wide. These installations are essential for delivering fibre broadband services to homes and businesses. The scale and height of the proposed poles are proportionate to their function to meet current standard of clearance height across the carriageway. We don’t believe they are excessive when compared to other street furniture such as lighting columns. This approach reflects established practice across the Island and supports the continued rollout of high-speed connectivity in line with national infrastructure goals. Compliance with General Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan
We believe the proposal aligns with the relevant clauses of General Policy 2:
Previous Planning applications: It is important to note that all applications have received recommendation for approval from the Planning Case Officer. Manx Telecom has previously submitted applications and received approvals for: 23/01236/B – Ballamillaghyn Estate, Mount Rule 24/00258/B – Riverbank Road, Ramsey 24/00445/B – Ballasteen Drive, Andreas
All of these were approved by the Planning Committee and therefore were deemed to comply with Planning Policies and align with strategic infrastructure goals. Highlighting an earlier application that has been approved 23/01236/B – Ballamillaghyn Estate, Mount Rule. The house type and topography of the dwelling density is similar to this application. 87% of properties within this application has now moved on to the new fibre network. During the planning approval process 28% of residence objected to the erection of new telegraph poles. 100% of the objectors have moved on to the new fibre network.
Despite similar infrastructure and planning context, Planning Committee have deemed
Manx Telecom recognises the importance of balancing infrastructure improvements with the preservation of local character and amenity. However, we firmly believe that the benefits of delivering enhanced broadband and fibre connectivity—particularly in areas currently not served by fibre today —significantly outweigh the limited and localised visual impact associated with the proposed development. The installation of telegraph poles is a necessary component of expanding our network coverage and delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity to homes and businesses across the Island. These improvements directly support the Isle of Man Government’s strategic objectives as outlined in the Island Plan, the National Telecommunications Strategy, and the National Broadband Plan. In this context, we believe that greater material weight must be given to the long-term public benefit of improved digital infrastructure. The proposed development aligns with national policy priorities and contributes to the Island’s economic resilience, social inclusion, and technological advancement. Manx Telecom remains committed to working collaboratively with planning authorities and local communities to ensure that all infrastructure projects are delivered responsibly, with sensitivity to the surrounding environment and in full compliance with planning policy.
Regards Manx Telecom Planning
-----Original Message----From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: 23 July 2025 15:58 To: Planners (Manx Telecom) <[email protected]> Subject: Appeal Ref AP25/0025 lodged against the decision on Planning Application 25/90377/B
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Dear Sir/Madam, Please find attached your notice that the decision for planning application 25/90377/B is being challenged at appeal and an update as to the action required on your part.
Kind Regards Samuel Boyd
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