Internally illuminated totem sign at Former Frankie And Benny's, Morecambe

“This application (as amended) seeks advertisement consent for the display of an internally illuminated totem sign, measuring 6m in height comprising of a double-sided moulded acrylic face panel mounted on a pole.”

“The site to which this application relates is the former Frankie & Benny’s building located off Central Drive, Morecambe. The building was originally constructed in the mid-1990s as a drive through Burger King takeaway. Frankie & Benny’s took over the site in 2008, removing the drive through and extending the building to provide a larger restaurant. Frankie and Benny’s vacated the site in 2020, and it has remained disused since then.”

“The site is located within the Morecambe Area Action Plan (MAAP) and is within a Regeneration Priority Area. The cycle path to the west and south forms part of National Cycle Routes 69, 700, and the Way of the Roses, and is also designated as an existing cycle route under Policy T2.”

“Application Number Proposal Decision 95/00530/FUL Erection of a drive through takeaway restaurant and video shop Approved 08/00836/FUL Alterations and extensions to existing Burger King restaurant to form Frankie & Benny's restaurant with ancillary bar Approved 22/01452/FUL Change of use of existing restaurant (Class E) to mixed use unit comprising of restaurant and drive thru takeaway (sui generis), demolition of existing single storey extensions to side and rear,…”

“The application relates to a replacement totem pole sign to reflect the branding of the proposed occupier. Originally, it was proposed that the totem would be 12 metres in height, approximately double the height of the existing totem frame and the Morrisons totem. This would have been out of character with the area and would have dominated views along Central Drive. The proposal has been amended with the height reduced to 6 metres and revised design.”

“Subject to the imposition of conditions to regulate the illumination and condition of the advertisement, and a condition to secure approval of the amended plans, the revised totem sign would not hamper any planned future upgrades to the cycle network nor impact highway safety. It is therefore acceptable in terms of public safety and conforms with the relevant policies listed above.”

“Consultee Response Morecambe Town Council Objection to 12-metre-high totem (The Town Council have been re-consulted on the amended scheme in May 2025 and any observations will be reported to the Planning Committee).”

“Disproportionate to surroundings and raises a number of planning, public health, visual amenity and regeneration concerns. County Highways No objection to amended proposals, subject to condition controlling illumination. Property Services No response received.”

“That the application be approved subject to the conditions in the Committee Report.”

“Standard Advertisement Timescale. Amended Plans. Advertisement Standard Condition 1 (landowner permission). Advertisement Standard Condition 2 (public safety). Advertisement Standard Condition 3 (maintenance). Advertisement Standard Condition 4 (structure maintenance). Advertisement Standard Condition 5 (site restoration). Removal of Existing Advertisements. Luminance of Advertisements. Highways Condition.”