Policy DH9
Telecommunications and connectivity
Development proposals should accord with London Plan Policy SI 6 Digital Connectivity Infrastructure and will be supported where they ensure access to wired and wireless technologies, including generation mobile technology (such as 5G) and full fibre broadband connections to deliver the highest speeds to provide a wide range of services.
1. New development that supports the expansion of telecommunications networks will be supported but should avoid any detrimental impact on the local townscape. Proposals for telecommunications development should meet the following criteria where applicable:
a) the proposed apparatus and associated structures should be sited and designed in order to integrate successfully with the design of the existing building where applicable, and thereby minimise its impact on the external appearance of the building;
b) the siting and appearance of the proposed apparatus and associated structures should be compatible with the scale and character of existing development, their neighbours and their setting, and should minimise impact on the visual amenity, character or appearance of the surrounding area;
c) the siting and appearance of the apparatus and associated structures should not have an unacceptable impact on heritage assets or their settings;
d) the siting and appearance of the apparatus and associated structures should not have an unacceptable impact on the streetscene or on areas of open space and should not increase street clutter or obstruct pedestrian movement; and
e) where appropriate, proposed apparatus and associated structures should share locations where there is an existing facility.
Existing essential utilities and telecommunications infrastructure will be protected from development unless it can be demonstrated that it is no longer required or will be adequately relocated.
2. Telephone Kiosks
The council will support the removal of telephone kiosks where it can be demonstrated that these are no longer required or can be relocated to a more appropriate location and will result in the decluttering of the street scene. When determining applications for new kiosks, the council will consider:
a) whether the kiosk would create an impediment to pedestrian movement and circulation, including when the kiosk is in use;
b) the design and location of the kiosk allows for inclusive access; and
c) whether the design and location of the kiosk would result in an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime.
Digital connectivity
8.62 Our aim is for Hammersmith & Fulham to be a more digitally inclusive borough; a place where residents have access to the digital skills, devices and support they need to achieve their aspirations. Digital connectivity is considered an integral part of the success of most business operations and individual lifestyles. The London Plan (2021) sets out the ambition that London should be a world-leading tech hub with world-class digital connectivity that is fast and reliable.
8.63 Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF) has a Digital Inclusion Strategy aimed at addressing barriers to digital access and participation for residents. The strategy is co-produced with residents, the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS), and stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to digital inclusion efforts across the council and the borough.
8.64 The council will support the expansion of telecommunications and digital networks, especially where this results in improvements to accessibility and supports innovation, whilst at the same time minimising any detrimental impacts on the visual amenity of the boroughs townscape.
Telephone kiosks
8.65 Traditional telephone kiosks are now largely redundant and cause unnecessary cluttering of the public realm, while also functioning as a facilitator for crime and anti-social behaviour. The council will support the removal or relocation of these kiosks where possible.