A DISCOUNT shop has applied to keep signs, described as "garish," that were fitted without planning permission.

Honest Freddies opened on Kirkgate late last year, and its signage came under criticism by many who claimed it was not in keeping with the rest of the building - Pearl Assurance House.

Now Christopher Gentry has submitted a retrospective planning application to Bradford Council to keep the signs on the building.

Si Cunningham, chair of the Bradford Civic Society, has objected to the plans, saying: "In our opinion, the designs do not come close to reflecting the character of the area, namely one of Bradford's oldest streets.

"As this is a heritage property in a conservation area, the garish colour is inappropriate and intrusive. We would urge the applicant to adopt a more restrained colour scheme.

"Bradford Civic Society welcomes the reuse of a vacant commercial property, but good fascia and signage design is important."

A decision on the application is expected in April.