University's £300,000 video screen not allowed to show videos

A university spent nearly £300,000 on a giant video screen despite being told it could not broadcast video. Plymouth University bought the screen for £206,000, and agreed installation costs of £89,600 in August. Two years earlier, planners granted permission for the project providing only still pictures were used, as the site is visible from two major roads and could distract drivers.

A university spokesman said the screen will show "time-lapsed information". The screen, which measures 9m (30ft) by 5m (16ft), was approved by the office of the vice chancellor, which was being led at the time by acting chief executive, Prof David Coslett. The University and College Union (UCU) said the spending was "shocking".



Philippa Davey, UCU regional official, said: "Quite frankly we are shocked that you would spend that amount of money for something that's just going to be showing still images." Planning documents reveal that in November 2012, the university "agreed to conditions being imposed on their permission to prevent the display of moving images" and stated "still images will now be displayed which fade in and out".

A university spokesman said: "The university was fully aware of the planning terms from the outset, indeed planning permissions were granted and understood well before the project was finally approved and the screen ordered." In September it emerged that the university had spent £150,000 on seven chairs to be used for graduation ceremonies.