Proposed smart hubs 'would harm city conservation area'

A NUMBER of large “smart digital screens planned for Cornwall's capital city would introduce a harmful “alien feature” into its conservation area, Historic England has declared.

- by LEE TREWHELA

The government agency says it is concerned over the visual impact of the 2.5-metre-high screens on Truro’s historic heart and its listed buildings.

The Urban Innovation Company (UIC) is seeking planning permission and advertisement consent to install and operate Pulse Smart Hubs at 13 locations in the city.

Two of the more sensitive proposed locations, in Boscawen Street and Lemon Street, have already been removed from the application.

The proposal has been developed in collaboration with the city council, the Business Improvement District, city police officers, Cornwall Council and the Community Safety Partnership.