Defibrillator hubs 'would harm character of town'

The applicant appealed after the scheme was refused planning permission in November

Developers have lost their battle to install defibrillators in a town centre amid fears they could attract anti-social behaviour and harm the character of the resort.

Planning applications to place the five multi-use hubs on Bank Hey Street, Abingdon Street, Church Street and Adelaide Street West had been submitted to Blackpool Council.

The applicant appealed after the scheme was refused planning permission in November, but independent planning inspector Helen Hockenhull threw out the appeal.

She said factors including the impact on heritage sites such as Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens meant the proposals "would cause harm to the character and appearance of the town centre".

'Potential to create issues'

There are already eight defibrillators available near the location of the proposed hubs, while there are existing internet hubs in the town centre which replaced telephone kiosks.

Ms Hockenhull said in her decision notice there were already "a number of existing hubs in the town centre, some of which are very close to the appeal sites".

"It is therefore clear that these facilities already exist, providing a public service."

She said concerns had been raised by the council's community protection officer and the police architectural liaison officer "about anti-social behaviour with members of the public congregating around the facility to charge phones and use the wi-fi".

"The size and design of the hubs is also such that they could be used to hide behind and prevent natural surveillance.

"Anti-social behaviour is a problem in many town centres. The presence of existing street furniture, in particular advertising totem signs and existing hubs in Blackpool, also have the potential to create similar issues."

Applicant JCDecaux, on behalf of In Focus Networks Ltd, had said the proposed hubs "would not appear out of place but would complement the public realm and enhance the experience of people visiting Blackpool".