A government inspector has upheld a decision to refuse plans for an illuminated sign at a pub.

L&C Leisure appealed Bradford Council’s refusal of the sign at the Six Acres on Westgate Hill Street, Tong after planning officers had said the illuminated sign was “out of character” in a Green Belt area.

But the company claimed the sign was necessary to attract business and lodged an appeal.

Planning inspector William Fieldhouse said: “I conclude on the main issue that the illuminated advertisement materially harms the visual amenity of the area.

“There are various other advertisements in the surrounding area, including those associated with commercial uses.

“However, some of these other signs reinforced to me the harmful effect that such features can have on the character and appearance of an area such as this.”