Calls are being made for tighter restrictions on OpenReach installing any new telegraph poles in Southport.
Southport councillor Mike Sammon wants to see a pause in any work taking place until new rules come into place.
At the full Sefton Council meeting at Southport Town hall next Thursday (13th November 2025), he will ask for agreement for an Article 4 Direction to be made which will mean that the company needs to seek planning permission before starting any work.
Cllr Mike Sammon said: “There are increasing proposals by Openreach to install new telegraph poles across Southport despite there being very few existing telegraph poles in the town, meaning that new installations would have a particularly harmful impact on the character and amenity of local streets.
“Residents have expressed widespread opposition to the siting of new poles and have conducted themselves peacefully in opposing these proposals, reflecting the strength of feeling in the town.
“Openreach has failed to engage meaningfully with residents, ward councillors, and the Council before progressing with proposed works.
“Promises made by Openreach about consultation and the use of underground cabling have not been honoured.
“In April 2024, Sefton Council passed a motion calling on Openreach to suspend the installation of new telegraph poles in Southport and to pursue underground ducting solutions instead.”
Cllr Sammon will ask councillors to back his motion calling for permitted development rights to be withdrawn within Southport through an Article 4 Direction, allowing the Council to bring any future installation of new telegraph poles under local planning control.
He will also suggest that the Chief Planning Officer be asked to prepare a report setting out the feasibility and required steps for introducing an Article 4 Direction to withdraw permitted development rights for the erection of telegraph poles within the seven Southport wards of Ainsdale, Birkdale, Dukes, Cambridge, Meols, Kew, and Norwood.
He will also ask the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State formally requesting that such an Article 4 Direction be permitted and supported by the Government.
A further request is for the Chief Executive to write to Openreach requesting that any further telegraph pole installations in Southport be paused while this process is under consideration.
The issue will be debated at the full council meeting.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
