Man wins battle against broadband supplier who put 40 foot-high pole outside his home

A homeowner has won a battle against a broadband provider who installed a 40 foot-high pole at the end of his driveway without any prior discussion.

Philip Waller, 65, was furious when he returned home to discover Connexin had erected the pole a mere 16 feet from his front living room bay windows. The grandfather of ten from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, then dedicated weeks to collecting objection letters from neighbours and filed complaints with local councillors.

His complaints were initially dismissed by the firm, but Barnsley Council later confirmed the pole was installed without "due process" and demanded its removal. A relieved Philip said he was worried his £300,000 bungalow would become "worthless" with the pole in place.

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Phillip said: "It is a bit of a 'David and Goliath' situation. We've only won because what they've done is illegal, but if I hadn't objected, it would be there forever. The big issue I have is these companies think they can steamroll over people. The next government needs to reveal their position on giving companies carte blanche to put the poles up wherever they want."

Company director Philip recounted how he had left his three-bedroom property to go shopping on May 30. His wife was then approached by workers claiming they were there to install 'something to read water smart meters'. However, within just ten minutes, she was shocked to see them erecting a massive pole just six inches from the edge of their driveway.

Philip, who was shocked to find the pylon upon returning home, said: "I sort of went ballistic, as one does. We had no prior warning, but apparently the company is not obliged to give 28 days' notice any more because the pole is covered by fibre optic roll-out regulations."

He continued: "It's roughly 12m high, it's literally about six inches from my driveway, and it's a car's width - about 5m max - from the window." He voiced his concern over the impact on his property's value, saying: "I was mainly worried about the depreciation of the house.

"If the pole was left in front of the bungalow, it would be worthless. I definitely wouldn't buy it. I have got a house in Burgundy, France. In a similar situation, the pole would be burned down by now."

After discovering the pylon, Philip began discussions with neighbours and contacted Connexin to express his dismay at their actions. However, Connexin responded in writing, asserting their right to erect the pylon, having secured approval from the local council. A representative told Philip: "Unfortunately, it has been decided by the Planning Team that this pole will remain in its current position."

"When sending a proposed pole location to the councils Highways and Planning Department, we do always have a few metres flexibility due to the chance that utilities may be discovered on the day of the install, which makes the planned location unsuitable."

"Due to this, the pole has been installed within the approved area for the pole... We would be unable to relocate the pole, we are very sorry for any inconvenience caused."

However, Philip continued to fight his corner and reached out to Barnsley councillor James Higginbottom, the cabinet spokesperson for Environment and Highways. His inquiries revealed that Connexin did not have the right to erect the pole.

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council has now ordered its removal within two weeks - it is expected to be relocated around 500ft (150m) to a grassy patch of land.

Mr Higginbottom stated: "I completely understand Mr Waller's frustration and I have been supporting him in this matter. I am pleased to confirm that due process was not followed when this pole was erected and notice has been served to order its removal."

"No-one objects to necessary infrastructure being built but this needs to be done properly and in a manner that doesn't cause unnecessary nuisance to local residents."

Philip advised other homeowners who found broadband poles in front of their properties to raise objections and not to give up. He said about dealing with the communications companies who are responsible for them: "Don't believe the words that they tell you. Contact your local council and find out if they do have a license to put up the pole."

Connexin has been contacted for comment.