A homeowner has won the battle against a broadband provider who installed a 40-foot pole at the end of his driveway without any prior discussion.
Philip Waller, 65, was furious when he returned home to find Connexin had placed the post just 5 meters from the bay windows in the front living room. The grandfather-of-ten from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, then spent weeks collecting letters of objection from neighbors and lodged complaints with councillors.
His complaints were initially rejected by the firm, but Barnsley Council later confirmed the post had been installed without “due process” and demanded its removal. A relieved Philip said he feared his £300,000 bungalow would become “worthless” once the post was in place.
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Phillip said: “It’s a bit of a ‘David and Goliath’ situation. We only won because what they did is illegal, but if I hadn’t objected it would have gone on forever. The big problem I have These companies think they can run over people. The next government needs to make its position known on giving companies carte blanche to put up the poles wherever they want.”
Company director Philip told how he left his three-bedroom property on May 30 to go shopping. His wife was then approached by employees who claimed they were there to ‘install something to read smart water meters’. Within just ten minutes, however, she was shocked to see them erecting a huge pole just six inches from the edge of their driveway.
Philip, who was shocked to discover the mast when he returned home, said: ‘I went a bit ballistic, as I often do. We had no prior warning, but apparently the company is not required to give a further 28 days’ notice as the pole falls under fiber optic rollout regulations.”
He continued: “It’s about forty feet high, literally about six inches from my driveway, and from the window it’s as wide as a car (up to five feet.”) He expressed concerns about the impact on value of his property and said: ‘I was mainly concerned about the depreciation of the house.
“If the pole in front of the bungalow were left standing, it would be worthless. I certainly wouldn’t buy it. I have a house in Burgundy, France. In a similar situation, the pole would have burned down by now.”
After discovering the mast, Philip started conversations with neighbors and contacted Connexin to express his dismay at their actions. However, Connexin responded in writing, asserting their right to erect the mast after receiving approval from the city council. A representative told Philip: “Unfortunately the Planning Team has decided that this post will remain in its current position.”
“When sending a proposed pole location to the council’s Highways and Planning Department, we always have a few meters of flexibility due to the chance that utilities may be discovered on the day of installation, making the proposed location unsuitable.”
“This has resulted in the pole being installed within the approved area for the pole… We would not be able to move the pole, we apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
However, Philip continued to fight for his corner and contacted Barnsley councilor James Higginbottom, the cabinet spokesman for Environment and Highways. His investigation showed that Connexin had no right to erect the pole.
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council has now ordered it removed within two weeks; it is expected to be moved approximately 150 meters (500 ft) to a grassy area of land.
Mr Higginbottom said: “I fully understand Mr Waller’s frustration and have supported him in this matter. I am pleased to confirm that due process was not followed in the erection of this post and notice has been given to order its removal.”
“No one objects to the necessary infrastructure being constructed, but this must be done properly and in a way that does not cause unnecessary inconvenience to local residents.”
Philip advised other homeowners who found broadband poles for their properties to appeal and not give up. On dealing with the communications companies responsible for this, he said: “Don’t believe the words they tell you. Contact your municipality and ask if they have a permit to install the pole.”
Connexin has been contacted for comment.