Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions Site visit made on 28 October 2025 by D R Kay BA Dip.Arch RIBA an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State Decision date: 01 December 2025 Appeal A Ref: APP/W1715/W/25/3363431 Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 9FF • The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) against a refusal to grant planning permission. • The appeal is made by Mr Nathan Still on behalf of Infocus Public Networks Limited against the decision of Eastleigh Borough Council. • The application Ref is F/24/98494. • The development proposed is the installation of an internally illuminated digital advertised communication hub unit with defibrillator Appeal B Ref: APP/W1715/Z/25/3363432 Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 9FF • The appeal is made under Regulation 17 of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007 (as amended) against a refusal to grant express consent. • The appeal is made by Mr Nathan Still on behalf of Infocus Public Networks Limited against the decision of Eastleigh Borough Council. • The application Ref is A/25/98749.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions • The advertisement proposed is the display of an internally illuminated digital advertised communication hub unit with defibrillator Decision Appeal A 1. The appeal is allowed, and planning permission is granted for the installation of an advertised communication hub unit with defibrillator at Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 9FF in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref F/24/98494, subject to the conditions in the attached schedule. Decision Appeal B 2. The appeal is allowed, and express consent is granted for the display of an 86” LCD screen to one side and a 32” screen to the other side of an internally illuminated digital advertised communication hub unit with defibrillator, at Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 9FF in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref A/25/98749. The consent is for five years from the date of this decision and is subject to the five standard conditions set out in Schedule 2 of the 2007 Regulations and the additional conditions in the attached schedule. Preliminary Matters 3.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions I have used the description of development from the Council’s decision notices in the banner headings above, and in my formal decision for appeal A, as this more accurately describes the proposed development. However, in my formal decision https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions I have used the description of development from the Council’s decision notices in the banner headings above, and in my formal decision for appeal A, as this more accurately describes the proposed development. However, in my formal decision https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions Appeal Decisions APP/W1715/W/25/3363431, APP/W1715/Z/25/3363432 for appeal B, I have amended the description to include the size and position of the LCD screens as this more accurately describes the proposed advertisement. 4. As noted above, there are two appeals on this site. They differ only in that appeal A relates to planning permission and appeal B to express advertisement consent. I have considered each on its individual merits. However, as they raise similar issues, I have dealt with the two schemes together, except where otherwise indicated, to avoid duplication. 5. In respect of appeal B, the Regulations and the National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) both make it clear that advertisements should be subject to control only in the interests of amenity and public safety, taking into account cumulative impacts. Regard does not need to be had to the development plan. Therefore, while I have taken relevant policies of the Eastleigh Borough Council Local Plan (2022) (the Local Plan) into account as material considerations, they have not been determinative. 6.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions In relation to appeal B, whilst the Council’s main reason for refusal relates to public safety, they also comment on the effect of the proposed hub unit on the street scene. Having examined the evidence, I find that the hub unit, which contains the advertised screens, would be manufactured from high quality materials in a scale, form and design that would integrate with its surroundings. I therefore conclude that the advertisement would not harm the visual amenity of the surrounding area. Main Issues 7. The main issue for appeal A is the effect of the proposal on pedestrian and cyclist safety. The main issue for appeal B is the effect of the proposed advertisement on public safety. Reasons 8. The appeal site is an area of pavement outside 13 Leigh Road and opposite a major supermarket, close to its junction with Market Street to the south and Upper Market Street to the north. The appeal site is within a pedestrianised section of Leigh Road which runs between Market Street and High Street.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions The pavement is very wide, more than 17m at this point, though the pavement narrows towards the junction with Market Street, where the eastern, un-pedestrianised section of Leigh Road, curves into Upper Market Street, where a bus interchange is located. The area is predominantly a mixed-use area that forms part of the central retail and commercial district of the town centre. 9. The area in the vicinity of the appeal site consists of a section of defined pavement around 4.2m in width from the principal elevations of adjacent properties, which is under the cover of a freestanding glazed canopy structure. This canopy is supported on cast metal columns, one centred around 600mm from the frontage of adjacent properties, the other at around 2.3m centre to centre. This results in a free gap in the footway of around 2m for pedestrians. Outside of the canopy, at the column positions are planters, together with a linear drainage channel. Beyond the channel is an open, wide contrasting patterned paved area, which is intermittently used for local outdoor markets. 10. There is a dual width cycle lane running along the un-pedestrianised section of Leigh Road.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions However, at the junction of Leigh Road and Market Street, sited https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 2

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions However, at the junction of Leigh Road and Market Street, sited https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 2

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions Appeal Decisions APP/W1715/W/25/3363431, APP/W1715/Z/25/3363432 outside the line of the drainage channel, is a freestanding clock, together with a town information board. These, together with security bollards and road signage, installed to prevent vehicles from accessing the pedestrianised area, reduce the effective width of the cycle lane to a single lane width at the position where it enters the pedestrianised section of Leigh Road after crossing Market Street. This pedestrianised area is a shared use. 11. At my visit, there was little discernible identification of a specific location and route of the cycle lane in the pedestrianised area, save for a very worn, almost indistinguishable white cycle sign painted on the paved surface. It was evident that cyclists and pedestrians moved freely around the space, other than at the pinch point of the road crossing at Market Street. 12. The plans indicate the proposed hub unit would be located around 10m from the corner of the property on Market Street and around 4.4m from the principal elevations of the adjacent retail units. This would be just outside of the drainage channel, in a similar offset position as the clock and town information board.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions The proposed hub would sit alongside a planter and one of the supporting columns of the canopy. It would therefore not impeded pedestrians passing from under the covered pavement, out onto the wider pedestrian area. Further, owing to its siting around 9m west of the town information board at the corner with Market Street, there would be a significant width of paved area to either side of the proposed hub unit, such that I find it would not restrict the flow either of cyclists or pedestrians. 13. The LHA have not objected to the proposal, noting that the proposed location of the hub unit is in a non-obstructive position on Leigh Road. They further note that there is adequate pedestrian movement space to circulate around the hub unit. They do not comment specifically on cycle access. The Council has noted in their delegated officer’s report, that the proposed hub’s location would detrimentally impact the location of the new cycle route improvements that goes through Eastleigh town centre from the Railway station. However, no evidence has been put before me which demonstrates this to be the case.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions They also add that the area has high foot traffic, particularly on market days, and that the proposal would reduce flexible use of the space and clutter the public realm. 14. The manager of Eastleigh BID has expressed support for the proposal, whilst the Eastleigh Local Area Manager and Town Council have raised objections to the proposal and comment has been made by the Urban Design officer. They consider the proposal to be premature, noting that the Council is engaged in a major consultation programme concerning the future of the town centre, including trial pedestrianisation of High Street being one element, together with landscaping, alternative uses and the integration of public information among others. They consider that such hub units, if they are of benefit, should be integrated into future proposals in a co-ordinated way. No timescale has been identified for this process, or for the implementation of any findings. However, I am required to deal with the appeal before me, not to consider how this may, or may not, integrate into any future proposals for the regeneration of the town centre. 15.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions Whilst the proposal would locally reduce the width of the paved area, I find this would not have a harmful effect, owing to the significant width of paved area remaining available for pedestrians and cyclists. The proposed hub’s location would be far enough away from the corner to provide more circulation space around the https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 3

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions Whilst the proposal would locally reduce the width of the paved area, I find this would not have a harmful effect, owing to the significant width of paved area remaining available for pedestrians and cyclists. The proposed hub’s location would be far enough away from the corner to provide more circulation space around the https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 3

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions Appeal Decisions APP/W1715/W/25/3363431, APP/W1715/Z/25/3363432 hub unit, whilst being close enough to the corner to not overly restrict the use of the open paved area for market day and other uses. 16. The hub unit would provide several potential benefits for the local community, not least the provision of a defibrillator, but could also be utilised by the Council to provide both visitors and residents alike, with information on the town and the range of local services available. The hub would also provide access to telephony, phone charging and the emergency services. It could also be used for bus timetabling, a potential benefit given the hubs location close to the bus interchange. Its use for displaying the town centre map would allow the opportunity for the removal of the existing town centre map unit, widening the current pinch point for the cycle route. I therefore find that the proposal would not have a harmful effect on pedestrian or cyclist safety. 17.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions For the above reasons, in relation to appeal A, I conclude the proposal would not conflict with Policies DM1 and E3 of the Local Plan, which require, among other things, that development takes account of the context of the site and to be compatible with adjoining uses, and to strengthen the retail circuit through development that strengthens the function of the town centre. 18. In respect of Appeal B, the advertisement itself is integral to the hub unit, and the Council has not identified any concerns that are specifically related to the advertisement in terms of public safety other than the effect the hub unit itself would have on narrowing of the pavement. Consequently, for the reasons given above, I am satisfied that the advertisement would not obstruct pedestrian or cyclist movements or have a harmful effect on public safety. 19. With regards to Appeal B, I have had regard to the policies of the Local Plan which seek to protect public safety and so are material in this case. Given that I have concluded that the proposal would not harm public safety, it does not conflict with these policies. Other Matters 20.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions The site falls within the 13.8km Buffer Zone of the New Forest Special Protection Area (SPA), which is a Habitat Site as defined by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) (the Habitats Regulations). The qualifying features of the SPA are its priority habitats and species including Hen-harrier, European honey-buzzard, Eurasian hobby, European nightjar, Woodlark, Dartford warbler and Wood warbler as well as other typical species of forest and heath areas. 21. Evidence shows that these protected Habitat Sites are under significant pressure from an increasing number of people living nearby. As the population grows, urbanising and increased visitor number effects from human pressures and damage caused by domestic pets have the potential to cause ongoing adverse effects on the protected habitats and species. However, acting as the Competent Authority for the purposes of the Habitats Regulations in relation to this appeal, mindful of the location, nature and scale of the proposal, I am satisfied it would not impact the qualifying features of the SPA.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions There would not be any likely significant effects resulting from the proposal, it is, therefore, not necessary for me to undertake an Appropriate Assessment. https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 4

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions There would not be any likely significant effects resulting from the proposal, it is, therefore, not necessary for me to undertake an Appropriate Assessment. https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 4

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions Appeal Decisions APP/W1715/W/25/3363431, APP/W1715/Z/25/3363432 Conditions 22. The Council has suggested several conditions which I have considered against the Framework tests and Planning Practice Guidance. Where appropriate, I have adjusted the wording in the interests of clarity and precision. For Appeal A, in addition to the standard time-limit for implementation condition, it is necessary to specify the approved plans and documents in the interests of certainty. A condition is also imposed to control the materials to be used in the proposal, to ensure a satisfactory appearance in the interests of public amenity. 23. With reference to Appeal B, in addition to the five standard conditions set out in Schedule 2 of the 2007 Regulations, which are not repeated in the attached schedule, I have imposed a condition restricting the intensity of the illumination of the advertisement at night together with the hours of illumination. A further condition, restricting the advertisements to static images, and the frequency and speed of their changeover, is necessary in the interests of highway safety. 24. The Council contend that the first standard condition cannot be complied with given the public realm location and ownership.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — Appeal Decisions However, all the condition achieves is that if consent is not given then the unit would not be able to be displayed. Conclusion 25. For the reasons set out above, I conclude that the appeal A proposal would accord with the development plan, read as a whole, and that there are no material considerations, including policies in the Framework, that would justify determining other than in accordance with it. Therefore, the appeal is allowed. 26. With regards to Appeal B, for the reasons set out above, I conclude that the appeal should be allowed, and express consent granted, subject to the five standard conditions set out in the Regulations and the additional conditions set out in the attached schedule.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — D R Kay INSPECTOR https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 5

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — D R Kay INSPECTOR https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 5

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — D R Kay Appeal Decisions APP/W1715/W/25/3363431, APP/W1715/Z/25/3363432 Schedule of Conditions Appeal A 1 The development hereby permitted shall begin not later than three years from the date of this decision. 2 The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following drawings and documents: Location Plan, Communication Hub - Unit Elevations, Infocus Communication Hub – Hub Detail. 3 No development above ground level shall take place until samples of all external facing materials have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved sample details. Appeal B 1 The intensity of the illumination of the advertisement permitted by this consent shall not exceed 300Cdm2 from dusk till dawn. The advertisement screens shall be turned off each day, and remain turned off, between the hours of 11:59pm and 6:00am of the following day. 2 Any change in advertisement display shall be instantaneous. The advertisements displayed on each panel shall not change more frequently than once every 10 seconds. The displays shall not display any moving, or apparently moving, images.

Pavement o/s 13 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh , SO50 9FF — Eastleigh Borough Council — D R Kay *** End of Schedule*** https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 6