Costa Coffee, 44 Stall Street, City Centre

We have no objection to the replacement of the existing non-illuminated roundel (projecting sign) and appreciate the applicant’s desire to advertise their business. However we object to this proposal due to the further addition of illumination on the signage which is unnecessary. Bath is a low-illuminated historic city and we seek to maintain this character. The use of light on signage is inappropriate in the World Heritage Site and conservation area.

Furthermore we object to the barrier and window posters and vinyl window decorations, and this adds clutter to the street scene, and harms the visual amenity of the city centre and character and appearance of the conservation area.

The means of illumination, would neither preserve nor and enhance the character and appearance of conservation area and be detrimental to the visual amenity of the street scene, and would detract from the special qualities of the World Heritage Site. The scheme would be contrary to Section 16 (Conserving and enhancing the historic environment) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), policies; B1 and CP6 of the B&NES Core Strategy and saved polices; D4, BH6 and BH17 of the B&NES Local Plan. We would therefore recommend that the application be refused.