Four sponsorship signs at A21 Roundabout adjoining Newtownards Road and Little Enler Road

What was proposed

The application proposed four sponsorship signs at the roundabout adjoining Newtownards Road and Little Enler Road.

“DEA: Comber Proposal: 4No. Sponsorship Signage Location: A21 Roundabout adjoining Newtownards Road and Little Enler Road, Comber Applicant: Ards and North Down Borough Council…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The roundabout contained medium-sized trees, had limited vegetation height and density, and was surrounded mainly by residential development.

“The application site is a roundabout located adjoining Newtownards Road and Little Enler Road. The roundabout contains medium sized trees. Vegetation within the roundabout is limited in height and density, ensuring unobstructed visibility. The area surrounding area is primarily residential development, with Comber Free Presbyterian Church Located to the North East. The site is within the Development limit of Comber as per the Ards and Down Area Plan 2015.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An enforcement case about alleged unauthorised trailer advertisements at another Comber roundabout was closed.

“Planning Reference: LA06/2016/0364/CA Location: Roundabout At Newtownards Road and Copeland Link, Comber. Alleged Breach: Alleged unauthorised trailer advertisements. Status: Enforcement Case Closed…”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers recommended consent, finding the signs modest, appropriately sited, and unlikely to harm the area’s character, amenity, or public safety.

“The signage will be located at each of the four exists of the roundabout alongside three existing DFI directional signs. The proposed sponsorship signage will appear modest in scale in comparison to the existing roundabout signage and considering the scale will not appear overbearing or dominant within the context of the surrounding area. I consider the signs to be spaced sufficiently so as not to result in clutter from their cumulative impact.”

“DFI’s consent as land owner is required before any advertisement is placed on its land. Such consent, if approved, will be by way of a licence agreement. Planning permission for any advertisement does not convey DFI’s consent for any advertisement on its land. Application to advertise on DFI’s land should be made direct to DfI Roads Lands Headquarters, Clarence Court, 10-18 Adelaide Street, Belfast, BT2 8GB, or email…”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

DfI Roads had no objection subject to its landowner consent, and no representations were received.

“Representations No representations have been received in relation to this application…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planner explained the application, its location, the sign layout, and the relevant policy assessment.

The committee vote

Alderman Smith proposed adopting the recommendation, Councillor Smart seconded it, and the committee resolved to grant consent.

“The proposal was in accordance with the SPPS2 and AD1 of PPS17 in that it would respect the general characteristics of the area, would not impact amenity and would not prejudice public safety. DFI Roads had no objections. In summary, officers were content it met policy and recommended the proposal for approval. RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Smith, seconded by Councillor Smart, that the recommendation be adopted and that the Council grants consent. 4.8”

Minutes

Conditions of consent

The signs must be erected as shown on the approved plan and advertisements must be kept clean and tidy.

“The signage hereby approved shall be erected in the position shown on approved plan drawing 03”

“Any advertisements displayed shall be maintained in a clean and tidy condition.”

Officer report