A request to install illuminated hand-painted signs on a Grade-II listed building in Staindrop has been refused.
Theepan Rasalingam had previously been granted permission by Durham County Council to convert the former Laurels coffee shop into a Premier convenience store and was also awarded a license to sell alcohol.
However, he was denied permission by the county council’s south and west planning committee to add the illuminated signs to Central Buildings on the village’s South Green, despite it being recommended for approval by the planning department.
The proposal was for a 300cm by 45cm sign on the northern elevation which would be illuminated by a an external light a little over 3m in length, as well as a 90cm by 120cm sign on the west elevation, also illuminated by an external light, almost 1m in length.
In a report to the committee, planning officer Hilary Sperring noted that neither the council’s design and conservation team, nor consumer protection department had objected to the scheme.
Staindrop Parish Council and 13 other people opposed the plan. County Cllr Jill Campbell also objected to the signs.
Ms Sperring’s report said: “The concerns of local members, parish council and objectors are noted and appreciated, however, subject to conditions, it is not considered that the proposed signage would adversely affect the designated heritage assets, visual amenity or residential amenity. Similarly, despite objections, the proposals are also considered acceptable in terms of their impact upon public safety.”
The planning committee did not agree and refused the request.
The committee concluded: “By reason of their inappropriate scale, design, position and means of illumination, the proposed signage is considered to be harmful to the amenity of the surrounding street-scene and would fail to preserve or enhance the special character and significance of the Staindrop Conservation Area.”
