Agenda item

Retention of illuminated signage to building including free standing sign.

The Committee considered a report of the Planning Officer regarding an application for the retention of illuminated signage to the building including a free standing sign at Bells Fish Shop, The Garth, Sunderland Road, Gilesgate, Durham, DH1 2LG (for copy see file of minutes).

The Principal Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation on the application which included photographs of the site. Members had visited the site earlier in the day and were familiar with the location and setting

Mr G Kennedy, applicant, addressed the Committee. Members were advised that the current permission on the business premises included provision for 3 signs on the premises. Once the signs were erected it became clear that they were not sufficiently visible and one of the signs would be completely obstructed from public view by a neighbouring property. As such the applicant had taken the decision to remove the original sign from the west gable of the premises and instead erect the free standing sign which would be more clearly visible.

Members were advised that the same design had been used on all the signs, which had been used to enhance the appearance of the building. Mr Kennedy clarified that the signs were only illuminated during opening hours, though there had been an issue with the timers previously which had meant for a short time, the signs were illuminated around the clock.

Mr Kennedy advised the Committee that he currently employed 30 staff and had recruited a further 5 during the previous week. He further advised that his suppliers were all local and the business had a 5 star standard.

Councillor Moir had no objections to the application though would have preferred it not to have been a retrospective application. He commended Mr Kennedy on the overall appearance of the premises and found the size and shape of the signs to complement the design of the building.

Councillor Conway clarified that as a local Member he had been approached by local residents who were not supportive of the application, however he felt that the officers report dealt adequately with those representations. He also commended the applicant on the employment opportunities provided by the business and he was satisfied with the condition relating to trading hours.

In response to Councillor Conway, the Principal Planning Officer advised that any future applications from other businesses for free standing signs, would need to be considered on their own merits.

Councillor Corrigan, local Member, addressed the Committee. She had also received representations from local residents regarding the signs being illuminated out of hours, however she was satisfied that this issue had now been addressed.

Councillor Moir moved approval of the application and upon a vote being taken it was:-

Resolved:

That the application be approved, subject to the conditions outlined in the report.