Advertising signs already erected at the entrance to a garden centre in Parkgate will be considered by an inspector after permission was refused.
Applicant Russell Brooks told borough planners he was seeking retrospective consent for the two non illuminated hoardings either side of the entrance to Marsh Nurseries, Boathouse Lane, Parkgate near the Parkgate Conservation Area.
Conservation officers described the size of the boards as ‘considerable’ and did not support the application.
There were no objections from the highway authority or Neston Town Council but planners suggested the effect on visual amenity was a key issue.
They felt they were unduly large and unsympathetic to the character of the surrounding area.
There were also concerns they would set an unwelcome precedent if other local businesses were allowed to follow suit.
There would be a harmful effect on the visual amenity of the adjacent conservation area where a higher standard of design might reasonably be expected.
Consent was refused and Mr Brooks has appealed, insisting he has the backing of the Parkgate Society, the mayor of Neston, several local councillors and numerous members of the public.
Mr Brooks argues the black and white colour scheme is entirely in keeping with the conservation area and the design is fairly traditional in appearance.
