Residents in Hadlow are a frustrated with BT after it fitted an unsightly green cabinet in the middle of a conservation area.

Engineers fitted the equipment, which will help improve internet speeds in the village, in the square last month.

While people welcome the improved service, they feel the box is a blemish on the picturesque village and a better spot could have been picked.

Caroline Wetton, of Castle View, said: “I think it should be made clear that we appreciate the fibre optic but we don’t appreciate where they’ve put the box.

“It is a monstrosity, I was absolutely taken aback when I saw it.

“They didn’t need planning permission, that seems extraordinary to me.

“Behind the cabinet is a little green. Now when you sit on the benches there all you can see is this box.”

Her views are shared by Cllr Janet Sergison, a representative for the Hadlow, Mereworth and West Peckham ward.

The Conservative politician said: “Fast, reliable, broadband is essential if the many home-based businesses in Hadlow and Golden Green are to thrive and it’s increasingly important for personal users too but it’s obvious that no thought has gone into the location of this badly-placed cabinet housing BT’s equipment.

“There are more suitable alternative sites nearby which would not be intrusive and block the view of the Square from the seats on the green.”

BT has defended its placement of the metal cabinet.

It says it will benefit around 470 homes and villages in the village, should they choose to use the service, and will not be used to serve other areas.

A spokesman said: “This location was chosen as the new equipment has to be sited near to our existing copper network which in this case is just to the right of the pay phone.

“However engineers also have to take into account existing underground services for electricity, gas, water etc when siting new cabinets.

“The location selected for this fibre cabinet is the most appropriate both technically, and also from a safety perspective.”

Kent County Council, which uses BT as sub-contractors to determine locations for the cabinet, has also defended its positioning.
A spokesman said: “There are technical constraints on cabinet positions from the BT network and we have to balance those needs with road safety and public amenity issues.
“Local Highways and Planning Authorities are consulted for any specific issues to be aware of prior to installing any Cabinets.

“We are also keen to ensure that, for sensitive areas such as conservation areas, village greens, listed buildings, ancient monuments, that the location is optimised aesthetically rather than technically.

“Despite this, the location can sometimes be improved and where there is a better location that is feasible we will seek to get the Cabinet relocated to suit all needs.

“We will always aim to get the Cabinets in the best place possible, accepting that to achieve better broadband speeds for everybody, the equipment does need to be installed.”