A cross-party group of councillors have joined forces to ask a broadband company that is planning to expand its operations within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to work with the community to preserve the local heritage and protected landscape.

The request, from Liberal Democrat Steve Mason, Independent Caroline Goodrick and Conservative councillor George Jabbour comes as several parishes within the former Ryedale area of the county received public notices from Voneus Broadband that it would place poles and overhead electronic communications apparatus for the purpose of installing fixed line broadband services.

With poles now seen in prominent locations across small villages, concern among local communities has mounted over the long-term impact that the new infrastructure will have on a scenic part of North Yorkshire.

Councillor Caroline Goodrick, who represents Sheriff Hutton & Derwent, said: “The installation of poles without proper consultation in the countryside, particularly protected landscapes like the Howardian Hills AONB and conservation villages, is indeed hugely disappointing. Over the years we have worked with our statutory providers to secure the undergrounding of cables to protect some of our most beautiful areas. It is intolerable that commercial gain is now the only consideration and no regard is given to our communities and our countryside.”

Amotherby and Ampleforth Councillor Steve Mason added: “Again and again it’s the communities that have to bow to pressure from businesses. We need broadband, we need broadband competition, but at what cost? The plans our council receives are sketchy at best, and our communities are usually the last to know. Companies can build a social licence to operate work by working with communities to ensure the best practice is achieved. Sadly, judging from the feedback I have received from residents in my division, this isn’t happening unless the company is called out publicly”

Helmsley and Sinnington Councillor George Jabbour said: “I was contacted recently by one of the parishes that I represent on North Yorkshire Council about the notices that had been issued by Voneus. I then attended a meeting with the broadband company and local residents, who highlighted the importance of using underground and existing infrastructure instead of new poles. Afterwards, this particular community received a positive response to our request. I hope that a similar outcome will be achieved in other areas too within our precious countryside.”

A Voneus spokesperson said, “In the first instance our builds always look to utilise existing infrastructure as far as possible, where this is not possible, alternative options are reviewed to deliver gigabit broadband to rural communities.

“We completely understand the views of the local councillors, and when installing new infrastructure, we follow the 'Cabinet and Pole Siting Code of Practice' working with local authorities to locate and position our poles and street cabinets. We welcome continued discussion and collaboration to minimise any visual impact on the local landscape whilst delivering on our commitment to deploy gigabit connectivity.”