Connexin Telegraph Pole Plans Suspended – Update for Residents
I’ve been contacted by many residents about Connexin’s proposed installation of new telegraph poles in our area — and rightly so. Your concerns have been clear, consistent, and completely valid, and I want to thank every one of you who took the time to raise them with me.
I'm pleased to share an important update.
Connexin has now suspended all work on installing new telegraph poles across Bradwell and wider Great Yarmouth. This decision follows strong representations from both myself, Cllr Graham Plant, and Great Yarmouth Borough Council, who made clear that such installations require prior planning approval, rather than falling under permitted development rights, as the company had initially believed.
This is a significant step forward in ensuring that any infrastructure changes to our neighbourhoods are done transparently, with full community consultation and in line with local planning rules.
To give some background: Connexin had planned to install IoT (Internet of Things) gateways to monitor energy and water usage across the borough. While the technology has potential benefits in supporting smarter services, the proposed installation of new poles understandably raised concerns about visual impact, local character, and a lack of communication with residents.
Originally, the intention had been to use existing streetlight infrastructure, but due to technical limitations, Connexin had begun exploring the use of new poles. I made clear — as did the council — that this was not acceptable without proper oversight and scrutiny.
What happens next?
Connexin is now exploring alternative options to deliver their project in a way that does not involve widespread installation of new telegraph poles or disruption to pavements.
I have also requested that any future plans be shared transparently with both the council and the community, and that residents are fully informed in advance of any potential works.
If you still have questions or concerns, you can contact Connexin’s build team directly via email at:
📧 [email protected]
This avoids having to use impersonal online forms and ensures your feedback goes straight to the right team.
As your local councillor, I will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as soon as I receive them. In the meantime, please continue to share your views with me — your feedback helps ensure that your voice is heard and that decisions reflect the values and priorities of our community.
Thank you once again for standing up and speaking out.
