Six external signs at Nicholson Institute, Leek

What was proposed

The application proposed six external signs, alongside internal signage, at the Nicholson Institute.

“The proposal is for external and internal signage at the property. There are 6 external signs which all require Advertisement consent. Of these two signs are a freestanding and A board to be sited at or close to the entrance. These do not require Listed Building consent and are not considered as part of the LBC application in this report.”

“The external information signs affixed to the building would be constructed in timber. It is said that where possible, existing fixing positions will be reused where original signage is present. If new holes are required for external signage fixings will be installed within the mortar joints rather than the masonry using an appropriate number of screws and plugs to reduce the impact to the historic masonry.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The Nicholson Institute is a Grade II* listed building within the Leek Conservation Area.

“The applications relate to the Nicholson Institute in Leek, a Grade II * Listed building well known to Members. The site also lies within the Leek Conservation Area…”

Officer report

Earlier listed building work

Three recent listed building applications for porch alterations, refurbishment and maintenance works were approved.

“SMD/2025/0348 Listed Building Consent for alterations to modern porch enclosure to form separate accesses for Arts Studios and College. Approved…”

“SMD/2025/0225 Listed building consent for various refurbishment works, including internal refurbishment throughout and limited external repairs. Approved…”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers considered the signs acceptable because they would minimise effects on the building, conservation area, visual amenity and public safety.

“The term amenity relates to the effect of the advertisement on the appearance of the building and the visual amenities of the surrounding area. In assessing amenity, regard should be had to: • The characteristics of the locality. • The appearance of the host building. • The size, design, colour, materials and positioning of the signs. • Whether the advertisements would result in visual clutter.”

“As the building is Grade II* Listed, the impact on the historic significance of the building has also been considered through the associated Listed Building Consent application. The signs have been designed and fixed in a manner intended to minimise impacts upon the historic fabric, including the reuse of existing fixing positions where possible.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council had no objection, no neighbour objections were received, and the conservation officer raised no heritage objection.

“Relevant to the external signage, the site is within the Leek Conservation Area which was designed for its medieval origins which have been laid over with Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Typically, buildings are constructed in red brick with Staffordshire blue tiles. The town expanded as a result of industrial growth in the late-18th and 19th century, specifically associated with textile manufacture and brewing industries.”

“National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2024 In determining applications, local authorities should take account of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets and putting them to viable uses consistent with their conservation, the positive contribution that conservation of heritage assets can make to sustainable communities including their economic vitality, the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character…”

Officer report

Who spoke

There were no registered speakers, and a councillor withdrew during consideration and voting after declaring an interest.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted delegated authority to issue both consents if no new substantive issues arose by 3 August 2026.

“1) That Delegated Authority be granted to the Head of Development Services in consultation with the Chairman of the Committee to grant Advertisement consent for the external signage subject to no new and substantive issues being raised on or before 3rd August 2026, and for the reasons and based on the policies contained within the report;”

“2) That Delegated Authority be granted to the Head of Development Services in consultation with the Chairman of the Committee to grant Listed Building consent for the external signage subject to no new and substantive issues…”

Minutes