Allotment entrance sign at Roots Allotments Land Off Abbots Leigh Road, Abbots Leigh

What was proposed

Retrospective consent was sought to retain one non-illuminated freestanding sign at the allotment site entrance.

“Proposal: Retrospective consent for the placement of 1no. non-illuminated Sign.”

“The application the subject of this report seeks Advertisement Consent for the retention of 1no. non-illuminated freestanding sign at the entrance of the Roots allotment site.”

Officer report

The site and sign

The allotment field is in the Green Belt beside a registered historic park and garden, with listed buildings near the private access drive.

“The application site is located off Abbots Leigh Road and is accessed off a private drive. The site comprises a field consisting of 5.403 hectares (Ha) which is being used for allotments. The proposed sign is situated at the allotment site entrance which has been formed approximately 29 m from the junction with the A369.”

“The application site is located within the Green Belt. The site is adjacent to the registered historic park and garden for Leigh Court. Listed buildings at West and East Gateway are situated on the eastern side of the private access drive.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

The allotment use was certified lawful in 2023, while a later application for containers, CCTV and access works remained undetermined.

“Year: 2024 Reference: 24/P/1911/FUL Proposal: Retrospective application for the siting of 2 no. containers, the installation of 2 no. CCTV cameras, and the formation of an access and access track involving the laying of a gravel hardstanding Decision: Not yet determined…”

“Year:2023: Reference 23/P/0194/LDP Proposal: Certificate of lawful development for the proposed lawful development certificate for use as allotments with ancillary parking and the laying of matting (shown on the specification submitted with the application) for access and parking. Decision: Refuse…”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the sign’s scale, position and design acceptable, with limited heritage harm and no unacceptable effects on amenity or public safety.

“It is considered that the location of the sign at the entrance to the allotment site is considered acceptable as its scale will have a minimal impact upon the Park and Garden with less than substantial harm at the lowest end to the setting of the Listed Buildings. The display of a sign to a public site is necessary to avoid any confusion on the highway and as general display for the allotment use that is taking place within the field.”

Officer report

What people said

Objections focused on the sign’s countryside, heritage, visual and highway effects, while supporters considered it inoffensive and consistent with nearby signs.

“The sign can be viewed directly from the Grade II Listed Buildings • The sign is not in keeping with the open countryside setting • The sign adds visual clutter within the Green Belt and impacts upon the Green Belt • Colours are bright and loud and visually dominate the otherwise natural outlook. • The sign is not in compliance with Policy CS5 of the Development Plan.”

“The sign is inoffensive • The sign is not visible from the main road. • Other similar signs are located within the local area such as the Forestry Commission sign, Clifton College Sports Ground and Brackenwood Garden Centre.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant declined to speak, and the Director of Healthy and Sustainable Communities’ representative presented the report.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application for five years, subject to six advertisement conditions and any agreed amendments or additional conditions.

“Resolved: That the application be APPROVED (for the reasons stated in the report) subject to the following conditions and any other additional or amended conditions as may be required in consultation with the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson and local ward member:”

“This consent shall be for a limited period of five years from the date of this decision notice.”

Minutes