BT has applied to install one of its street hubs in an Oxfordshire town. 

The telecoms company wants to build the street hub in Bridge Street, Banbury, near the town hall.

Street hubs in some areas have been controversial, with a whole raft planned for Winchester refused a few years ago. 

The hubs were first launched in 2017 and since then 494 have been rolled out in 23 cities across the country. 

They offer free public Wi-Fi, free UK calls, USB charging, an emergency services button and a range of other digital services for those in the vicinity. 

READ MORE: Oxford: Plans for former gin distillery to be used as commercial space

In the application's planning papers, it said: "BT is continuing to move forward with public connectivity and benefits in which street hubs will provide a sleek and modern answer to the demands of a digitally connected society."

The planning statement added: “Banbury High Street is a very a busy public highway for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The site is also a short distance from the key arterial route A4260 and Banbury Train Station. 

“The street scene context immediate to the proposed BT Street Hub site is highly commercial and comprises of a number of shops, cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets. 

“In the immediate vicinity of the proposed BT Street Hub site there is existing street furniture including litter bins, planters, benches, street lighting columns, road information signs and the aforementioned payphone kiosk.”

No public comments have yet been submitted to Cherwell District Council in objection or support. 

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby