Pizza Express, 8 Southgate Place, Bath
Whilst we note that the business owner has made efforts to improve signage, the Trust objects to this application on the basis of the illumination proposed.
Although we view the changes as an improvement aesthetically, we strongly object to the unnecessary illumination proposed. We strongly oppose the internally illuminated lettering as it’s not suitable for a city with generally low levels of lighting. We are concerned about the growing acceptance of illuminated signs in Bath City Centre. We still stand by our position that the city centre should stay low-illuminated and encourage the use of traditional sign methods.
The proposed amount of lighting to the façade, the amount of illuminated signage and its internal illumination would detract from the setting and special interest of nearby listed buildings and would fail to sustain or enhance the character of the conservation area and would detract from the special qualities of the WHS and visual amenity value of this location.
The scheme would be contrary to the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, Section 16 (Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment) section 16 Conserving and enhancing the historic environment’ and Section 12 ‘Achieving Well-Designed Places’ of the NPPF, policies B1, B4, and CP6 of the B&NES Core Strategy and policies CP6, D9, D8, HE1, BD1, B.4, of the Placemaking Plan and should therefore be refused.