Plans for ATM on Townsend Corner rejected

Broadland District Council has refused a planning application by BT to install a combined public payphone and ATM cash machine at the junction of Station Road and Market Place on Townsend Corner, Reepham.
 

 
In its decision, Broadland said the proposed kiosk would be harmful to the character and appearance of the surrounding conservation area.
 
Further, it would lead to on-street parking in the immediate vicinity of the site, causing interference with through-traffic at the busy road junction, reducing visibility for both vehicles and pedestrians.
 
The proposed telephone/ATM was also next to a bedroom window of the adjacent property, which could be disruptive to occupants.
 
Following the closure of Reepham’s only bank in October, HSBC has been in ongoing discussions with an ATM provider for the provision of a replacement cash machine in the town.
 
At a meeting of community representatives with HSBC area managers during the closure procedure, the bank made a firm commitment to provide a replacement ATM in the Market Place.
 
Use of the existing, listed red telephone box outside the Bircham Centre had been suggested as one possibility, but it now appears BT is looking at alternatives owing to conservation zone issues as well as suitability.
 
Your comments:
 
I think the idea of having an ATM machine on Townsend corner in Reepham is the most dangerous place that this could be put. Traffic approaches this junction from four ways. Surely, the most popular place would be somewhere in the market place. Helen Overton, Chapel Street, Cawston
 
Townsend Corner must be the most idiotic location in Reepham for an ATM! How will they be able to service the machine at such a busy junction? It’s inevitable that people will pull up beside it blocking the road and junction. Surely a location outside the Bircham Centre would be much more appropriate, even replacing the existing phone box. Martin Sullivan, Kerdiston Road, Reepham
 
I cannot believe BT wants to put the machine there; it would mean people standing in the road to get their money. At present it’s not very nice walking there when a large lorry comes by; the kerb is also higher there. If BT does not use our lovely telephone kiosk, does that mean we will lose it? Tamara Goulding, Ollands Road, Reepham
 
Does Reepham need an ATM in the Market Place? If so, where should it be? Send an email to Reepham Life or Contact us. Please include your name, address and contact telephone no.
 
See our earlier story:

 

Related stories: