The town council supports the idea of installing Wi-Fi antenna towers along the waterfront, but a final decision has yet to be made.
Selsey Town Council has been consulted on plans to erect three six-metre high masts along Selsey seafront and said there were “no planning grounds for rejecting them”.
The application was submitted on behalf of electricity company North, which said it was part of plans to support businesses and “enhance the outdoor visitor experience”.
Speaking on behalf of North County, KS Town Planning said: “The Connected Spaces Wi-Fi pilot aims to provide Wi-Fi to specific locations in the county where mobile connectivity is poor or in need of improvement, focusing on rural/semi-rural outdoor environments such as parks, market town centres and coastal areas.”
The three masts could be built in coastal green space adjacent to the lifeboat station. (Image: Claire Byrne)
“The aim is to help businesses survive, grow and thrive, encourage innovation and enhance the customer experience for visitors, potentially resulting in increased visitor numbers to selected areas and a boost to local economies.”
Selsey residents have called the application “ludicrous” and say it is not needed in the area.
Claire Byrne, 44, said: “My house overlooks the park and I can always see people walking their dogs and playing with their children there.”
“We’re also concerned about the development as there are lots of bats and wildlife, it’s going to dig up the green and there’s no extra parking.”
“This is a beautiful public space with no parking. It’s for pedestrians. It doesn’t make sense.”
Claire Byrne voiced her opposition to the plan. (Image: Claire Byrne)
A council spokesman said: “Selsey Town Council would like to make it clear that we are only a consultative party in today’s planning decision regarding the proposed pilot project, which involves the installation of electricity poles.”
“The final decision will be made by Chichester District Council, the local planning authority for Selsey.”
“After reviewing the development plan’s principles and key considerations at the Planning Committee meeting held on August 21st and taking note of resident feedback, the committee voted to approve the installation of the utility pole and determined that there were no planning grounds for refusal.”
“If you have any questions about the public Wi-Fi pilot please contact the person managing the project at West Sussex County Council.”
The public consultation period runs until September 11th, with a final decision on the plans due to be made by Chichester District Council by October 14th.
