Illuminated barber signage at 28 Broad Street, March

“Display of 1 x internally illuminated fascia sign and 1 x externally illuminated rotating projecting barber pole (retrospective)”

“This application is for the display of 1 x internally illuminated fascia sign and 1 x externally illuminated rotating projecting barber pole.”

“The application site is situated on the western side of Broad Street, within the market town of March. The site is situated within the March Conservation Area. There are also a number of Grade II Listed Buildings surrounding the application site, including a Grade II Listed fountain.”

“The building is currently occupied by 4K Cuts and was previously occupied by Kleanco Dry Cleaners & Laundry. The advert is already in situ.”

“However, an advertisement consent application was refused in September 2025 at No. Broad Street, currently occupied by F & S Majestic Turkish Restaurant. This application was for 1 x internally illuminated fascia sign, and it was concluded to adversely impact on the streetscene and character of the area and failed to protect and enhance heritage assets.”

“The oversized signage, overly bright backlit text and the illuminated barber pole detract from the character, appearance and setting of the March Conservation Area and the setting of the GII listed fountain canopy adjacent, resulting in less than substantial harm to the setting of the March Conservation Area and an adjacent listed building.”

“The proposed signage fails to make a positive contribution and therefore is considered to adversely impact on the visual amenity of the streetscene and character of the area and fails to protect and enhance heritage assets. The scheme is in contravention of Policies LP16 and LP18 of the Fenland Local Plan and does not comply with the requirements of paragraph 141 of the NPPF.”

“Parish/Town Council:. Recommendation: Approval.”

“Environment & Health Services (FDC): The Environmental Health Team note and accept the submitted information and have 'No Objections' to the proposals, as they are unlikely to have a detrimental effect on the local amenity as a result of artificial light overspill and/or glare.”

“Local Residents/Interested Parties: No Response Received.”

“Members asked questions of officers as follows: • Councillor Marks referred to USA Chicken and other signage in the area and asked why has this shop been brought before committee when there is other signage that does not have permission? Alan Davies responded that the applicant’s went ahead and made an application following an enforcement investigation whereas the property next door also has unauthorised signage and the owners of that property have not come forward with a…”

“Councillor Imafidon made the point that this is a trading street so it has to somehow make itself known to passing trade and customers and the rotating pole is a recognised international sign to show that it is a barber’s shop. He stated that he will be supporting the application as he does not think it is as detrimental because it is a commercial street.”

“Proposed by Councillor Benney, seconded by Councillor Marks and agreed that the application be GRANTED against officer’s recommendation, with authority delegated to officers to apply conditions.”

“Members do not support officer’s recommendation of refusal of planning permission as they feel that the proposal is not detrimental to the street scene, Conservation Area or Listed Building, it enhances the regeneration of the Town Centre and character of the area and does not detract from it, and the fabric of the building is not being altered.”