Despite significant challenges of trying to install better broadband in the New Forest, work for Brockenhurst 1 is underway and is being progressed as quickly as possible. Due to its sensitive location in the New Forest, there is a lot of background work required to gain the necessary approvals and consents, before work can be carried out ‘on the ground’.

The latest update from BT is that the cabinet is due to be put in place late August 2017 and connected to power late September 2017.

A more detailed update is as follows:

Planning applications for the work were sent to all the relevant bodies in February 2017 which take up to 56 days to be approved.

Route for the fibre cables
The route for the cabling went close to a road bridge that unfortunately collapsed due to erosion in 2016. Repair work to the bridge was completed earlier in 2017. Alternative routes for the fibre were considered, including the possibility of installing an overhead line. However the best solution has been to continue with the original route, particularly since the bridge has now been repaired.

Ecology and habitat works for new duct
A new 94m duct is required to replace one that collapsed and became blocked, due to tree roots, in Rhinefield Road. 30m of this is on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the council’s ecology team are due to carry out a Habitats Regulations Assessment. This is to ensure that the valuable environment is not compromised by any works, in accordance with environmental legislation. Natural England, the governing body, have been informed of this.

Power wayleave

A plan for the power connection was submitted to SSE in early May 2017. The power work requires access to common grazing land. The Verderer’s Court approved this in mid-May and a wayleave has been signed.
Survey has been completed and the DSLAM Build Estimate have now been issued. Awaiting Wayleave SA228840 for DSLAM and Duct to be signed by Forestry Commission (Alex Ortewell). Re-sent with amended plan 05/04/17. Expect the DSLAM Wayleave to be signed by the Forestry Commission mid may
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