A PROPERTY company has lost an appeal to keep signage in Cottingley it installed without planning permission.

In April Bradford Council refused a retrospective planning application by Spencer Properties for a metal sign on New Row advertising a number of recently refurbished properties. Officers said the sign was an "incongruous feature, harming the character of the area and resulting in significant visual harm."

The company appealed that decision, disputing the claim that the sign is excessive and adding: "It is not unreasonable giving the investment made, for the availability of the accommodation to be provided."

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Now a government planning inspector has backed the Council's decision, and dismissed the appeal.

Inspector Jeff Tweddle said: "the proposed advertisement is a somewhat isolated and incongruous addition to the streetscene that detracts from the area’s otherwise largely uncluttered appearance.

"I accept that some consideration has been given to the design and style of the framing, however, this does not justify the continued display of an advertisement that I have found to be at odds with the surrounding character and appearance of the area.

"The appellant states that the sign is ‘stand alone’ and therefore there are no cumulative impacts, however, it is in fact the stand alone nature of the advertisement, unrelated to any commercial premises, which causes concern."