A PLANNING inspector has overturned a decision by Bradford Council to block a digital advertising board along a major road.

But he admitted that he did not visit the site before making his decision.

In January the Council refused the plans to install a 6 metre by 3 metre digital sign on an area of land at the Peel Centre off Canal Road. Officers said the sign would be “highly prominent and appear in stark contrast to the muted backdrop within which it would be positioned.”

It is one of many applications for digital signage that have been refused by planners in recent years.

Applicant Richard Page of Insite Poster Properties appealed the decision, and now a government inspector has overturned the refusal.

Inspector throws out illuminated sign planning appeal

Inspector Darren Hendley said: “Canal Road is a busy multi-lane thoroughfare which contains street lighting. It does not, in my view, comprise a muted backdrop.

"I conclude that the proposed advertisement would not have an unacceptable effect on the amenity of the area. ”

He admitted that due to the lockdown, he did not visit the site before making his decision, adding: "I consider that this appeal can be determined without the need for a physical site visit."