Locals say fibre rollout ‘pole’ plan is unnecessary, intrusive, and ignores existing infrastructure
Residents of Ballagarey in Glen Vine, are voicing renewed frustration as Manx Telecom (MT) appeals a planning refusal for telegraph poles in their neighbourhood . It’s a move they say disregards community concerns and common sense.
In 2019 MT erected poles in Ballagarey without any notice to residents. The actions caused outrage amongst residents and the local authority; MT removed them.
The original application, part of MT’s fibre broadband rollout, proposed erecting three timber poles nearly nine metres high. The poles were to serve just four properties.
Now, with an appeal underway, residents are being asked to resubmit objections in writing to the Cabinet Office by 31st October.
Residents have taken to the Marown Community facebook page to urge neighbours to send in their objections:
“Objections have to be emailed to the Cabinet Office by 31st October. It will all be done in writing now. Basically, objections are pretty much what was written before. Nothing has changed. They are unsightly, overbearing, out of all proportion (3 poles for 4 properties) and most importantly fibre is feet away, in the pavement, from all 4 properties.” – Ballagarey Resident
Residents argue that the proposal is not only visually disruptive but also redundant — fibre infrastructure already exists underground, just metres from the affected homes.
Critics say the plan prioritises cost-cutting over community wellbeing, with overhead poles chosen for expedience rather than necessity.
This appeal follows a pattern of resistance across Glen Vine, Tromode and Peel, where similar applications have been met with strong opposition.
Manx Telecom ignoring viable underground alternatives
Locals have repeatedly raised concerns about the scale, siting, and impact of poles in residential areas. They are accusing Manx Telecom of ignoring viable underground alternatives and failing to engage meaningfully with affected communities.
While MT insists its rollout is aligned with the Isle of Man’s National Broadband Plan, residents say the company’s approach lacks transparency and respect for local character. The appeal outcome could set a precedent for future infrastructure decisions — one that many hope will favour thoughtful planning over blanket deployment.
Planning Appeal
The Planning Appeals Tribunal is expected to issue its decision in the coming weeks. In the meantime, residents are mobilising to ensure their objections are heard, calling for a fibre strategy that serves the island without compromising its streetscapes.
References:
Planning Application Number: 25/90401/B
Planning Appeal Number: AP25/0033
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