We predicted this would happen. When Redbridge was overruled on its rejection of digital advert boards on Wanstead High Street, we wondered what could stop the whole place getting littered with them.
Well BT has applied to replace its eyesore phone box (which is so filthy you’d have to be absolutely desperate to use) with, you guessed it, digital advert boards. Though obviously following a lot of consideration it’s referring to them as “Global Street Hubs” and its application says it will:
provide a sleek and modern answer to the demands of a digitally connected society… The Street Hub will help future proof the high street making them smarter, safer, and more sustainable
One might conclude this is colossal hogwash. One hopes our planning officials asks specific questions about how the boards will make the high street smarter, safer or more sustainable? Or what difference they can possibly make to a digitally connected society.
The site will be about 20m away from the existing board oustide the Lighthouse chip shop, directly outside City Place Coffee. Will Redbridge have the ability to refuse the application, even if it wants to? We shall see. Application number 0283/26 at Redbridge Planning site.
Same applicant online is 0284/26 but only the above notice is displayed on the lamp post.
I’ve objected on both reference numbers.
I used to live in Wanstead and was back for a visit last week. It really struck me how the feeling of the place has changed.
What once felt like a warm ‘village’ street now feels like the high street in a run down commuter dormitory town.
– These garishly bright invasive digital advertising boards have had the largest impact.
– Banners on the lamposts also declare ‘advertise your business here’.
– The co-op feels dark and dingy, and has the checkouts walled in by perspex. Every aspect of the store now seems to declare “Hey you! We know you’re about to steal from us!”. It feels incredibly unwelcoming now.
– And I was quite shocked by the level of rough sleeping and begging now.
Wanstead was always a village being absorbed into London. Perhaps now it is being overwhelmed by London?
Maybe some visibility from the police in terms of crime prevention would help; maybe a police hub in Gregg’s or at one of the local cafe’s would be helpful: