Plans submitted for 14 'smart hubs' in town

A mock-up shows what the smart hub planned for Headland Road near Fistral Beach in Newquay would look like

A number of smart hubs which include access to defibrillators are set to be installed in and around a seaside town.

The Urban Innovation Company has submitted an application to Cornwall Council to site 14 of the hubs, which also offer the chance to make free phone calls, in and around Newquay.

The application is being supported by the town council and Newquay Business Improvement District, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Some residents posting in community groups on social media have expressed concerns about obstruction on the streets, increased digital advertising and light pollution.

'Not in keeping'

"They're totally unnecessary and will just add to the already overwhelming and messy/ugly street furniture in the town", one local resident said.

Commenting on the application on the council planning portal, another person said the digital signs were "not in keeping with the surroundings".

The respondent said this was particularly the case in terms of the one proposed for Headland Road, "as visitors to Newquay get their first glimpses of the view across the Fistral beach".

The smart hubs, produced by a company called Pulse, would include touchscreens providing free phone calls and free wi-fi.

They would also include along with a built-in defibrillator and access to emergency treatment in the event of a drug overdose, as well as an emergency safety button to support anyone who is vulnerable and a 999 emergency button.

A planning report said the proposals were supported by the Safer Cornwall Partnership, which recognised the hubs would deliver a range of benefits for residents, businesses and visitors to Cornwall.

The 14 proposed locations, which have been developed in collaboration with Newquay Town Council, Newquay BID, Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council, include Bank Street, Berry Road and Newquay Railway Station.