‘Disappointment’ for MT after pole erection plans fail  

Telecoms provider wanted to install 50+ telegraph posts to deliver fibre

Manx Telecom has been refused permission to install new telegraph poles in a number of residential locations across the Island.

The telecoms provider had applied for planning permission to erect the posts, and associated overhead wires, at eight locations.

However at a sitting of the Planning Committee yesterday (24 June) seven of the applications were turned down.

That was despite a recommendation that they should be permitted.

If successful the following would have been installed to deliver an overhead fibre internet service:

• 5 x nine-metre poles at Marlborough Crescent in Ramsey
• 12 x nine-metre poles at Claughbane Estate in Ramsey
• 6 x nine-metre poles at Fairways Drive in Ramsey
• 5 x nine-metre poles, and 1 x ten-metre pole, at Ballaterson Fields in Ballaugh
• 4 x nine-metre poles in Larivane Close in Andreas
• 11 x nine-metre poles in Ballalough Estate in Andreas
• 9 X nine-metre poles in Howe Road in Onchan

The planning committee agreed to permit an application for the erection of one nine-metre pole in Ballasteen Drive in Andreas.

Each set of poles had to be considered by the committee as one application with Manx Telecom saying if the applications were rejected they would require a full re-design of all pole locations.

Earlier this month Manx Telecom warned the rollout of fibre on the Isle of Man could be delayed if planning didn’t go in its favour.

You can find out more HERE.

In response to the decision Manx Telecom said: "Manx Telecom is disappointed with the outcome of the recent planning meeting. We are carefully considering our options."