56 Southgate Street, City Centre

The proposed signage is of poor quality appearance with inappropriate materials and unacceptable internal illumination. The applicant has clearly taken not seen the guidance on commercial signage SPD and does not appear to take regard that the building lies within the conservation area and WHS and at a prominent corner location.

The proposed scheme would neither preserve nor enhance 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 We would therefore recommend the application be withdrawn or refused.