Four non-illuminated signs at Meadens Ltd, Meadens Skoda Of Brockenhurst

What was proposed

The application sought consent for two fascia signs, an entrance portal and a double-sided flag sign, all non-illuminated, with existing signage removed.

“Proposal: Display of 2no. facia signs (non-illuminated); 1no. entrance portal (non-illuminated); 1no. double sided flag sign (non- illuminated); removal of existing signage (Application for Advertisement Consent)”

Officer report

The site

The site is a car sales establishment within Brockenhurst village, beside Sway Road, with residential uses nearby and a conservation area about 70 metres away.

“The Application site measures approximately 0.2 hectares in size and comprises a car sales establishment located within the defined village boundary of Brockenhurst. The main building is prominently sited and fronts onto Sway Road, a B Classified highway, which bounds the western extent of the site. The main external display areas lie immediately to the front of the building on the boundary with Sway Road and also to the south of the main building.”

“The immediate locality comprises predominantly residential uses. The Brockenhurst Conservation Area lies approximately 70 metres to the north-west.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier illuminated signage scheme was refused in February 2026, while previous applications included granted, withdrawn, refused and split decisions for signs and site works.

“Display of 2 no. illuminated fascia sign; 1 no. illuminated pylon sign; new illuminated entrance portal; removal of existing signage (25/01471ADV) refused on 12 February 2026”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the revised non-illuminated signs were considered appropriately designed, proportionate and unlikely to harm public safety, character or dark skies.

“With regards to the amount and layout of signage proposed, whilst the overall amount and layout of signs has not changed from the previous scheme, it is recognised that the signs are predominantly focused around the main building frontage (which is set back from the highway) and the scheme does not lead to a harmful increase in overall prominence of signage or clutter along the front of the site.”

“In conclusion, no significant adverse impacts in relation to public safety have been identified. Furthermore, the signs are considered to respond appropriately to the local characteristics of the neighbourhood in accordance with Policies SP1 and DP2.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Brockenhurst Parish Council recommended refusal because the proposal remained contrary to the street scene and rural village setting; no other consultees were required.

“Brockenhurst Parish Council: Recommend refusal.”

“Whilst improved, the proposal remains contrary to the street scene and the rural village setting.”

Officer report

What people said

Two comments raised concerns about previous refusals, retrospective development, possible illumination, materials, dark skies, suburbanising effects and differences from the site.

“Two comments received (including one from Friends of Brockenhurst) raising the following concerns:”

“All the signs subject to the current application were previously rejected under case 25/01471ADV. • This is a retrospective application. • The double-sided flag sign now in place is illuminated. • There has never been planning approval granted for an illuminated flag sign, or for that matter any illuminated signage or facias at this site. • Previous decisions have determined that metal rather than a vinyl would be more appropriate on this site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish council representative took part, and the committee received advice about updated national planning guidance and its relevance to the application.

The committee vote

The committee voted unanimously to grant planning consent subject to conditions.

“26/00190/ADV Advertisement Consent Details Meadens Ltd, Meadens Skoda of Brockenhurst, Sway Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7SH - Display of 2no. facia signs (non- illuminated); 1no. entrance portal (non-illuminated); 1no.”

“Any advertisement displayed, and any site used for the display of advertisements, shall be maintained in a clean and tidy condition to the reasonable satisfaction of the local planning authority.”

Minutes