By John Baron
A Pudsey town centre shop has been refused retrospective planning permission for new external signage.
Applicant R Dyari, of Mr Blue Market, had submitted a retrospective application to Leeds City Council for a 10.6m-wide illuminated fascia sign at the front of the Church Lane shop.
But a council planning officer’s report refusing the application said the sign contravened planning policy.
The report concluded: “The proposed advertisement due to its size, design and level of illuminance, would create an unsympathetic and overly dominant feature within the street scene, which would adversely affect the appearance of the this positive building, the visual amenities of the surrounding area and the special character and appearance of Pudsey Conservation Area.”
There had been 33 letters of objection, including Pudsey councillors Trish Smith and Simon Seary, with three letters of support.
A second retrospective application for alterations to shopfront including demolition of window stall riser and replacement shutters at the shop was approved by council officers. There had been 16 letters of objection.
Retrospective planning permission refers to seeking approval for a development or alteration to a property after the work has already been carried out without prior permission from the local planning authority.
Vape Masters refused
Meanwhile, a retrospective application for an internally illuminated fascia sign at Vape Masters on Lidget Hill, Pudsey, has also been rejected by council planners.
A council report said the proposals failed to meet planning policy and added: “The proposed advertisement due to its size, design and method of illumination would create an unsympathetic and overly dominant feature within the street scene, which would adversely affect the appearance and the visual amenities of the surrounding area and the special character of Pudsey Conservation Area.”
There had been 34 letters of objection.
The plans can be viewed in full here.
Councillors’ reaction
Councillors Dawn and Simon Seary (Cons, Pudsey) said in a statement: “I fully support the decision to refuse the planning application for the neon signs in the conservation area.
“It’s important that we preserve the character and charm of our town and a neon sign would have been out of place. I hope a suitable compromise can be found, more sympathetic and that aligns with the conservation area’s guidelines.”
Councillor Trish Smith (Ind, Pudsey) said: “I’m very happy to see both these retrospective planning applications refused by Leeds Planners.
“While it’s great to see the shops used and businesses thriving, we must ensure everyone respects our Conservation Area.
“Hopefully this will be an end to the trend for this over-bright signage, each seemingly trying to outdo the last.”