People in a south Manchester suburb are furious over plans to install ‘eyesore’ 15 meter broadband poles in their area.
Councilors who met with IXW Build’s surveyor confirmed that IX Wireless masts will be installed in several streets around Withington – but they received a furious response from locals who claim the poles are unnecessary and undermine the charm and character of ‘threaten’ the neighborhood. .
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The applications are being submitted under permitted development rights, meaning they do not require planning permission from the local authority and cannot be brought before the planning committee to be discussed or rejected by the council.
While signs have been spotted on several streets around the neighborhood, neighbors have complained that there is no “full picture” of where, when or how many poles will be installed in the area. They claim locals have been left ‘blindly in the dark’ about the trial.
Resident Marilyn Roseman told the MEN: “There is no clear instruction on where the poles will go, to provide a full picture for the community. We are all confused about this and blindly in the dark.”
Allen Roseman added: “There should be more of a route for planning permission as it has a local, visual and environmental impact. It goes from one problem to another. We already have good internet for the area where it is not needed.”
The MEN have seen one of the signs that IX Wireless had placed on the ward which read: “IXW will soon be carrying out street works in this area to extend its full fiber optic network. During this time we will be installing telegraph poles on the public footpath on the approximate location(s) below. We estimate each pole will take approximately 1-2 days to complete.
“The works have been designed and will be carried out in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.”
‘It’s a constant battle’
The complaints about the bollards come just a month after the council abolished the Low Traffic Neighborhood scheme in Withington following strong opposition. Now residents claim it is a ‘constant battle’ for local people’s voices and they need to be listened to.
Victoria Butler, who lives on Allen Road, one of the streets where the broadband poles will be installed, said: “We’ve just had all the problems with the roadblocks and now we have to fight these broadband poles. one thing after another to deal with.”
“It’s just causing more stress in people’s lives and now we have to bring the community back together to groan – it’s an ongoing battle. Why can’t people listen to what the local population needs in the first place? Imagine looking out your window every day and seeing such an eyesore,” she added.
Victoria’s brother, Jimmy, said: “Having seen what happened when the planters were removed, we don’t want the same thing to happen when an eyesore telephone pole is installed and later removed.”
Withington councilor Chris Wills said: “We agree with residents’ frustrations, and we have continually raised these with IXW Build.
“I would like to point out that where residents have felt left unheard, we have listened to and acted on the concerns they raised with us and have done everything we can to support them.
“We have made it clear to IXW Build that they need to do much more to engage with the local community and keep people informed.”
The IX Wireless system operates from cabinets that are directly linked to data centers from which they receive full fiber broadband. Telegraph poles then run fiber optic cables from the box to the transmitter that acts as a transmission tower.
The fiber optic signal is then sent wirelessly from the transmitter to a receiver in the building, while the transmitter is connected directly to the router.
‘It’s just decency’
Bill Simpson, who has lived on the Withington estate for 38 years, said: “We’ve found stickers all over Hatherley Road, Alan Road, School Grove and you think what is this about? We didn’t even receive a letter in the mail, that’s just common decency.
“I’m not even sure if all the neighbors noticed they were being installed.”
The posts have already appeared in other parts of Greater Manchester, including Bolton, where they have proven highly controversial among residents.
Stuart said: “We are very resilient neighbors and will not give up on ensuring the community is heard.”
The online petition calling for the proposed installation of the IXW 15m poles to be scrapped has attracted more than 150 signatures.
The petition states: “The charm and character of our beloved Withington and Fallowfield, Manchester, are threatened by the proposed installation of IXW’s 15 meter masts and poles.
“Standing at a towering height of 15 meters, these masts and poles will not only be visually imposing, but can also produce significant noise if associated cabinets and hardware are present.
“It is clear that the introduction of additional masts or sky-high masts is not necessary, especially where a robust broadband infrastructure already exists.
“We urge local authorities in Withington and Fallowfield, Manchester and IXW to reassess this decision and seek alternative solutions that prioritize safety and respect the aesthetics of the area.”
The MEN has repeatedly attempted to contact IX Wireless for a response.
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