JCDecaux's plans to put five 'multifunctional hubs', in several locations around the city have been written off by government inspectors after being blocked by council planners last year.

In the end, planning inspectors ruled that the hubs would have a negative impact on the characterful streets of Norwich.

The Haymarket location is also the ground for the infamous 'dystopian' billboard battle (Image: JCDecaux UK)

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They said the boards would detract from the charm of Norwich streets - resulting in a 'proliferation' of ads too close to each other and even pose as a road safety hazard.

The hubs, which would have stood more than two metres tall, were to be located at St Stephens Street, Prince of Wales Road, Rampant Horse Street, Haymarket and Chantry Place.

'PHONE BOX REPACEMENTS'

JCDecaux's facilities provide a number of services including free calls to landlines and charities, free wi-fi, device charging and wayfinding tools.

Plans submitted to the council explain that they are intended to replace phone boxes, which the company says are no longer fit for the modern world.

The hubs would also have........

© Eastern Daily Press