As the volume of mail grows every year, it has become necessary to provide storage places for postmen/postwomen to store part of their deliveries while posting the remainder. These postal pouch boxes are usually mounted on a free-standing pedestal. The location of pouch boxes should always take the needs of pedestrians into account, particularly the needs of people/pedestrians with disabilities or mobility problems.

REQUIREMENT FOR PLANNING PERMISSION

Postal pouch boxes, when erected by Royal Mail, are generally permitted development and do not require planning permission. Inside conservation areas, however, permission is always required. In the interests of good practice and public safety, the installation of all postal pouch boxes should adhere to the following guidelines.

POLICY

1. LOCATION AND SIZE

Postal pouch boxes should not be sited at busy locations such as bus stops, street crossings, shop entrances, etc.

Pouch Boxes should not exceed the standard dimensions (1m x 0.45m x 0.4m) and should not be mounted with the foot of the box higher than 0.7 metres.

2. COLOUR

The standard colour for pouch boxes is grey but other colours - black, green or dark blue - may be more appropriate depending on location. The appropriate colour will be specified, on request, by the Council.

3. ALIGNMENT

Pouch boxes should be in line with any other street furniture and out of the line of pedestrian flows. This will mean that they should not project over the kerb and not face inwards across the pavement beyond the projection of any existing street furniture.

4. WORKS TO PAVEMENT

When pouch boxes are mounted on new poles, the pavement surface should be reinstated to match the original.

Consent to locate postal pouch boxes on footpaths is required from Land Services (Roads and Transport).