Teignbridge’s iconic phone boxes saved from removal

News Desk
Authored by News Desk
Posted Monday, July 17, 2017 - 10:20am

A number of iconic phone boxes in Teignbridge have been Grade II listed and protected from removal thanks to a successful approach to Historic England from Teignbridge District Council.

Under the threat of removal following a consultation exercise from British Telecom, the Council’s heritage officers contacted Historic England listing several of the district’s iconic K6 red phone boxes that met strict listing criteria for consideration.

Having made the application, a total of seven boxes were assigned as Grade II status meaning they are now officially classed as ‘particularly important buildings of more than special interest’.

Teignbridge District Council’s executive for planning, Cllr Humphrey Clemens said: “I very much welcome this intervention to protect some of these iconic red telephone boxes that my generation grew up with and at times depended on. There is something very British about them and it is good to know they will be about for generations to come. Thanks should go to Teignbridge Heritage Officers and Historic England for making it happen.”

Deborah Williams, Historic England’s Listing Team Leader for the West, said: “The classic red K6 telephone box, designed by the eminent architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1935 to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of King George V, is a much-loved feature of our local streetscapes. These kiosks have been listed in recognition of their architectural interest and the contribution they make to their historic setting.”

Teignbridge are supportive in preserving the character and history found within their district, which local communities take great pride in. With an ever-changing world of advanced technology, structures such as this still belong and are of historical value.

The seven K6 red phone boxes which have been saved can be found at:

• opposite the Clay Cutters Arms, Gales Crest, Chudleigh
• near Old Forge Cottage, Stokeinteignhead
• telephone box, Combeinteignhead
• telephone box, Post Office, Lower Ashton
• telephone box, The Square, Broadhempston
• adjacent to Binkwell Cottages, Torbryan
• South Street, Denbury

Historic England are the public body responsible for looking after England’s historic environment. They champion and protect historic places, helping people understand, value and care for them.

The K6 telephone kiosk was designed in 1935 for the General Post Office by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of King George V.

The K6 was a more streamlined, compact and cost effective model to mass produce compared to its highly successful predecessor, the K2. Well over 70,000

K6’s were eventually produced and even though many were replaced in the 1960s with plainer kiosk types, many still remain and continue to be an iconic feature on Britain’s streetscapes.

Further details can be found at www.historicengland.org.uk

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