Councillors have opposed new plans for a digital totem in Farnham amid fears it could be a sign of things to come.

Farnham Town Council has objected to plans for a BT Street Hub Unit on East Street as the proposals are not in-keeping with neighbourhood plan policy.

But there was acknowledgement the WiFi boost would be welcome with the plans also including the removal of the two existing BT phone boxes nearby.

And there’s a further sweetener as the applicants would provide 876 hours of free council advertising a year with discounts also available to local business groups.

“Our current policy is to refuse applications for digital totems as part of the FNP, especially as we rejected a similar application for one at Hickley’s Corner,” said Cllr Andrew Laughton to councillors at their last meeting.

“Clearly, BT feel that in order to get this service they need to give a little bit back to the community.

“The bigger issue is that it will set a precedent if we say yes, as when we’ve got one digital totem we’ll probably be flooded with similar applications.”

While an offer to potentially change neighbourhood plan policy towards digital advertising wasn’t taken up during the meeting, some councillors could see the benefits.

“It does raise an important point, especially with the WiFi situation,” said Cllr Chris Jackman.

“Better WiFi isn’t something I would object to. I had to pay EE for WiFI in a pub a couple of weeks ago so if you can get it for free, that’s got to be a plus.”

The application by Telent Technology Services Ltd on behalf of BT says the totem will offer “improved WiFi range, environmental sensors, insight counting and small cell mobile connectivity” with a final decision due to be made by Waverley Borough Council next month.