Ladbrokes Racing Ltd, 16 Westgate Street, City Centre

The Trust objects strongly to this application for low quality signage which fails to take any account of the guidance contained in the SPD on Commercial Signage in the conservation area and also fails to take account of the special interest of the listed building. The use of a metal fascia and internally illuminated acrylic letting is entirely unacceptable and must be amended or refused. The colours are lurid and inappropriate and the lettering far too large. The fascia should be painted timber with hand painted lettering as a best option but high quality reduced size pin mounted lettering could also be considered (not illuminated).

The proposed scheme would neither preserve nor enhance the special interest of the listed building, would harm 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 12 (Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment) of the NPPF, policies B1, B2, B4, and CP6 of the B&NES Core Strategy and policies CP6, D.2, 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 We would therefore recommend the application be withdrawn or refused.