After the disappearance of many phone boxes on the Isle of Wight, one could be preserved in a new site.
Plans have been submitted by BT to put a phone box on the south side of Ryde Esplanade, in the same site as one removed in 2018.
Planning documents, submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, say the relocation has been requested by Island Roads.
Ryde Interchange scheme
It comes as work progresses on the Ryde Interchange scheme which will see a new road layout installed in front of the pier and Ryde Bus Station remodelled.
There is no space now for the phone box which stands opposite the Tourist Information Centre, on the edge of the bus station.
The telephone box could now be moved to the opposite side of the Esplanade, in front of businesses such as Hong Kong Express and King Lud, where one previously stood.
Design will complement local surroundings
BT say, in planning documents submitted to the council, its standard kiosk design will not be detrimental to the retailers or occupiers nearby and will complement local surroundings.
Under the interchange improvements, the footpath in front of those buildings could potentially be expanded after it was decided to move the taxi rank back in front of the rose garden, on the opposite side of the road.
Alfresco dining opportunities
The council said moving the rank would allow parking to be reinstated or the pavement to be widened, providing alfresco dining opportunities for the businesses in that row.
Island Roads has said the re-installation of the telephone box would not impact on highway safety as the existing footway would be wide enough.
View the plans
You can view the proposals, 22/00858/FUL, on the council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until 22nd July.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © Google Maps/Streetview mage from 2014
