Agenda item

Display of 1no. non illuminated metal banner sign spanning between numbers 5 and 55 - 56 Fossgate [Guildhall] [Site Visit]

Members considered an advert application by York Civic Trust for the display of 1 no. non illuminated metal banner sign spanning between numbers 5 and 55 - 56 Fossgate.

David Fraser, from the York Civic Trust, spoke on behalf of the applicants. He stated that the application had the full support of local traders and residents, the Merchant Adventurers and the York Business Improvement District (BID). He stated that Fossgate should be considered a special case and that this would therefore not set a precedent. He also expressed the opinion that the sign was of a high quality and would add, not detract, from the area.

Sarah Lakin spoke, on behalf of Fossgate Traders Association, to urge Members to approve the application and support the small independent businesses on the street. She stated that since the A board ban Fossgate was even more unseen and this sign was vital to improving footfall.

Officers, including the Design & Sustainability Manager, gave an update and stated that, whilst the council were fully in support of the traders, they did not feel this banner was the right solution. The sign was considered to harm the appearance of the street and would harm the conservation area and views from Fossgate. There was concern that allowing a sign on Fossgate would set a precedent and that the cumulative impact of signs across the city would be detrimental to the Conservation Area.

In response to Member questions Officers clarified:

·        There was a feeling it was inappropriate to rebrand an area based upon one aspect of its history.

·        If Members were minded to approve the application the weight of the sign and the method of attaching it would need to be assessed by a structural engineer to ensure no harm to buildings.

·        Improvements could be made to the area through the public realm that would be more effective than the proposed sign.

During debate some of the following issues were raised:

·        Some Members felt that the sign would cause harm to the area and were supportive of the Officer recommendation to refuse. Conversely, many Members felt that it was important to support the traders, particularly in light of the A board ban, and felt there would be strong economic and public benefits.

·        There was some concern around the traffic on Fossgate being a larger issue than the street’s location and many Members felt that this should be dealt with for the benefit of traders.

·        The visual impact of the sign was a matter of judgement, but there was no clear continuation from Fossgate from Colliergate and this sign would catch the eye and increase footfall.

·        It was important to consider that this application had been proposed by the York Civic Trust and had the support of the Merchant Adventurers, York BID and the Guildhall Planning Panel.

Councillor Shepherd moved refusal of the application, in line with the Officer’s recommendation. Councillor Cannon seconded. On being put to the vote the motion fell.

Resolved:  That the application be approved with conditions to be agreed by the Chair and Vice-Chair.

Reason:     It was considered that the sign was an appropriate design for the area and that it would not cause undue harm to the visual amenity of the Conservation Area or the setting of listed buildings. It was also felt that the public and economic benefits of the increased footfall the application may result in would outweigh the minor harm that had been identified.