3 Union Street, City Centre

The use of acrylic and perspex is unacceptable on a listed building. This fascia sign should be hand-painted or at the least if pin mounted lettering is to be used it should be a high quality metal. Given the proposed branding sign is white however, it would be appear traditional sign painting would be the best option. The proposed red colour for the fascia is garish and intrusive upon the street scene; again not befitting a key street within the heart of the World Heritage Site (WHS). The red colour should be toned down to a less strident colour. We also note the applicant has not provided scaled elevation drawings and therefore this application should not have been registered.

The proposed scheme would neither preserve nor enhance the special interest of the listed building, the character and appearance of the conservation area and would detract from the special qualities of the WHS. The scheme would be contrary to Section 16 (Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment) of the NPPF, policies B1, B2, B4, and CP6 of the B&NES Core Strategy and policies CP6, HE1, D.9, B.4, B.2 of the Placemaking Plan. It is also contrary to the Commercial Signage and Tables/Chairs in the Conservation Area SPD. We would therefore recommend the application be withdrawn or refused.