Our charming village of Romsley is currently facing an unsettling proposal: the installation of 9-metre-high telecommunications poles in our community without adequate input or consideration for the residents they will affect.

Why is this important? Romsley is not merely a place on a map as Runfibre views it; it's a thriving community where families have lived for generations.  Allowing these installations in inappropriate locations could set a precedent for further disregard of our community's needs and aesthetics.

We are advocating for a transparent discussion between the community and Runfibre. We urge Runfibre to engage in meaningful consultations with local residents. We propose that a detailed assessment be undertaken, prioritising locations that minimise disruption and align with our village's architectural character.

Petition details:

PETITION TO STOP THE INSTALLATION OF 9-METRE TELECOMS POLES IN INCONSIDERATE LOCATIONS AROUND OUR VILLAGE

To: Runfibre / Worcestershire County Council

Re: Proposed installation of 9-metre telecoms poles in Romsley

We, the undersigned residents and local community members, respectfully object to the proposed installation of 9-metre-high telecommunications poles - unless placed in considerate locations, agreed beforehand with local residents, taking into account all local considerations, beyond that of your desktop survey - that do not block access to private properties.

We support the need for reliable telecommunications infrastructure and improved connectivity. However, we believe the proposed installation has not given sufficient consideration to the location, positioning and impact of the individual poles on residents, pedestrians and in respect to Eastleigh Drive with it’s bungalow houses - the appearance of our streets.

Grounds for our objection

1. Excessive visual impact

At approximately 9 metres high, the proposed poles would be prominent structures immediately outside or close to residential properties. Eastleigh Drive has bungalow houses and these poles are over double the height of most of these homes. Their height and positioning would have a significant visual impact on homes and the character of the street.

Residents should not have to accept large, highly visible structures immediately outside their homes where alternative locations or arrangements may be available.

2. Inappropriate positioning

Our principal concern is where these poles are being placed.

The proposed locations appear to have been selected without adequate consideration of the individual circumstances of residents and the surrounding street environments. In some cases, poles would be positioned directly outside homes, close to entrances, pavements and access points and in some cases blocking driveways.

We ask that each proposed location is properly assessed rather than treating the street as a series of standard installation points.

3. Obstruction of access and pavements

The positioning of poles has the potential to interfere with pedestrian movement, access to properties, driveways, entrances and pavements.

This is particularly concerning for residents who may have mobility difficulties, parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, cyclists, older residents and anyone carrying shopping or other items.

Telecommunications infrastructure should not be installed in locations that unnecessarily restrict or obstruct the normal use of public or residential access routes.

4. Impact on residents living directly beside the poles

Residents whose homes are immediately adjacent to the proposed poles would experience a substantially greater impact than people elsewhere in the area.

The decision-making process should therefore consider the actual position of each individual pole in relation to individual properties, rather than considering the proposal only in general terms, from desktop mapping or a walk around by someone who does not know the village, or its residents.

5. Lack of proper consideration of alternative locations

Before installing structures of this size, we ask that alternative positions are properly investigated, including locations that would:

● minimise obstruction to pavements and access;

● avoid being immediately outside residential entrances and in between driveway openings;

● reduce the visual impact on homes; why can we not have underground cabling?

● maintain safe pedestrian access;

● avoid unnecessarily prominent positions; and

● make use of existing infrastructure where practicable.

Where a pole can reasonably be moved a short distance to reduce its impact on residents, we believe that option should be properly considered.

What we are asking for:

We respectfully request that the proposed installation does not proceed in its current form.

We ask the relevant authority and/or telecommunications provider to:

1. Pause the proposed installations while the concerns raised by residents are properly considered.

2. Carry out a location-by-location assessment of every proposed pole.

3. Review whether each proposed position is necessary and appropriate.

4. Consider alternative locations that minimise obstruction and visual impact.

5. Ensure that pavements, entrances, driveways and pedestrian access remain safe and unobstructed.

6. Consult directly with residents whose properties are immediately affected.

7. Provide residents with clear information about the proposed locations, installation arrangements and the justification for each pole.

8. Where alternative positioning is available, select the location that reasonably minimises the impact on residents and the wider street, particularly in relation to bungalow housing.

We are not opposed to improved telecommunications services. Our concern is that this infrastructure should be installed responsibly, with proper consideration given to the people who live in the affected properties and those who use the streets of Romsley every day.

We therefore ask that the proposed 9-metre poles are reviewed and that the current locations are not approved or installed until these concerns have been properly addressed.