Fascia sign at 27 The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells

“The proposal is for the installation of a fascia sign to the front elevation of the listed building. The application originally included the vinyl wrap and the hanging sign shown on the plans. However neither require listed building consent: the former does not amount to works of alteration to the listed building, whilst the latter involves hanging a sign on two existing hooks.”

“A concurrent application has been submitted for advertisement consent under reference 26/00168/ADV.”

“27 The Pantiles is a three-storey building within a terrace which is accessed from the Pantiles Lower Walk. The ground floor and basement are in Class E (office) use. The listing description is as follows;”

“PLANNING HISTORY (including appeals, relevant history on adjoining sites): Reference Number Proposal Decision Date 98/01656/LBC Listed Building Consent - Internal alterations to re-instate the premises to two separate shops (25-29 The Pantiles) Granted 09/11/1998 11/02210/LBC & 11/02209/FUL Listed Building Consent / Planning Permission: To retain installation of new boiler with new external flue in new location already carried out (27B The Pantiles) Granted 25/10/2011…”

“Advertisement - (Retrospective) hanging sign and display board Pending Consideration…”

“The fascia sign installed does not impact upon the existing structure of the building and there is no alteration to the historic fabric. By virtue of its design, it will be reversible and can be removed when required. Although the works have commenced, no harm to the structure of the building has been caused through the installation of this signage.”

“A letter of objection from the Civic Society is noted. With regard to the concerns raised, the vinyl adhesive signage and the hanging sign do not require listed building consent and are addressed under the advertisement consent application. It is also noted that concerns are raised regarding the colour scheme of the proposal.”

“One site notice was displayed on 5 th February 2026. The application was also publicised in the Kent Messenger. One letter of objection has been received which raises the following : • Treatment of the facade and shop windows intrusive and unsuitable, in particular the use of vinyl adhesive signage and privacy strips across windows. • Disagree falls below the threshold of less than substantial harm. • hanging sign is too low.”

“TWBC Conservation and Urban Design (11.02.2026) Whilst consent should have been sought prior to the installation and hand-painted lettering on a white background would have been preferred in both the context of the listed terrace and the conservation area, the works are not considered to warrant refusal on heritage grounds.”

“Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Neville, seconded by Councillor Pitts and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.”

“RESOLVED – That application PLA303/25 be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.”