Restaurant signs at 4 James Street, Kimberley

The proposed signs

The application sought consent for a fascia sign with internally illuminated lettering and a hanging sign, which had already been erected.

“The application seeks advertisement consent for a fascia sign with internally illuminated lettering and hanging sign. The signage has already been erected prior to consent being sought. 2. Recommendation…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is an Italian restaurant in a terraced brick building within the Kimberley Conservation Area, with neighbouring properties facing or adjoining it.

“The site is an Italian restaurant named Sinatras and is a terraced brick building. South of the site is the principal access route of James Street, to the north-east is number 2 James Street and number 6 to the south-west. Numbers 7, 9 and 11 face the site. The site is within the Kimberley Conservation Area.”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended refusal because the internally illuminated signage would harm the conservation area, outweighing benefits to the business.

“On balance the harm to the Kimberley Conservation Area outweighs the benefits to the business and advertisement consent should not be granted.”

“The new fascia sign, by virtue of the internally-illuminated design of the restaurant name/lettering, causes harm to the character of James Street and therefore fails to maintain and enhance the character and appearance of the Kimberley Conservation Area. The development is therefore contrary to Policy 18 and Policy 23 of the Part 2 Local Plan (2019) and Section 16 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024).”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent and a ward member were the two public speakers for the item.

The committee’s debate

Members debated the conflict between conservation areas and business development, including whether the applicant was clearly told consent was needed.

“The Committee considered all representations, debating the conflict between Conservation Areas and the development of businesses and that it was not made entirely clear to the applicant that they had to seek advertisement consent for their signage until after they had been granted Kimberley Means Business funding.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to approve advertisement consent, subject to conditions covering maintenance, safety, permissions, highway safety and the approved plans.

“RESOLVED that advertising consent be approved, subject to the following conditions:”

“(e) No advertisement shall be sited or displayed so as to obscure or hinder the ready interpretation of any road traffic sign, railway signal or aid to navigation by water or air or so as otherwise to render hazardous the use of any highway, railway, waterway (including any coastal waters) or aerodrome (civil or military).”

Minutes