Agenda item - BH2012/00531 - 130 Old Shoreham Road

Display of 3no internally illuminated fascia signs.

Recommendation – SPLIT DECISION

D.                BH2012/00531 – 130 Old Shoreham Road

(1)       Display of 3no internally illuminated fascia signs.

(2)       The Area Planning Manager (West), Nicola Hurley gave a presentation detailing the scheme by reference to photographs and drawings. It was noted that this was separate from the application for change of use of the application site from retail (A1) to restaurant and take away (A3/A5) with part re-cladding of the existing building and associated parking which had been refused on 20 April 2012. It was also noted that the applicant had included visual examples of similar signs on other properties. No information had been provided regarding the location of those properties and it was not considered that these supported the proposals seeking consent for this site. The KFC lettering signs were considered to have acceptable visual impact. The internally illuminated ‘Colonels Head’ logo was considered excessive in size and its design and location extending forward from the front of the building failed to relate to the existing building and it was considered it would harm the overall street scene. A split decision was therefore recommended.

            Questions of Officers, Debate and Decision Making

(3)       Councillor Hawtree stated that he considered it rather surreal that the Committee were in the position of being asked to determine an application in relation to a building which had been refused planning permission for this use. He also referred to the emerging City Plan and to the fact that this application also ran contrary to that. The Senior Lawyer confirmed that only limited weight could be attached to the emerging plan at the present time.

(4)       Councillors Hyde and Mrs Theobald sought clarification as to why the refused application had been able to be dealt with under delegated powers whilst this application had been brought forward to Committee and it was explained this related to representations received.

(5)       Councillor Cobb sought confirmation regarding the colour(s) of the illumination/lettering to be used.

(6)       A Vote was taken and on a vote of 8 to 2 with 2 abstentions a split decision was made as set out below.

187.4    RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to make a SPLIT DECISION for advertisement consent.

REFUSE advertisement consent for the internally illuminated “Colonel’s Head” sign shown on drawing no 0000/211/A110b and A903b for the following reason:

1.      The proposed illuminated sign by virtue of its design, size and positioning extending forward from the front elevation of the building fails to relate to the existing building. The sign would be an overly dominant feature which would be visually intrusive to the detriment of the appearance of the building and the overall street scene. This sign is contrary to policy QD12 of the Brighton & Hove Local Plan and Supplementary Planning Guidance Document on Signs SPD07.

GRANT advertisement consent for the internally illuminated KFC sign(s) shown on drawing nos 0000/2011/A110b, A901a, A902a, and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.