A NUMBER of signs in Bradford conservation area would cause "visual clutter to the detriment of the street scene" - planning officers have claimed.

Bradford Council has this week refused a retrospective planning application by Expert Medicals to display four signs on its building at New John Street in Bradford city centre.

The signs advertise Covid "fit to fly" certificates and are located on New John Street, Grattan Road and Westgate.

The Westgate sign overlooks an overgrown derelict piece of land, strewn with empty beer and energy drink cans and other litter.

The company sought permission to display the signs for a 12 month period, and the application said: " Due to the lack of new long term developments, there has been an acceptance by the Council and the business community that temporary uses are now appropriate until any future developments materialise and so change the character of the area on a long term basis. This includes the use of advertising to promote the activities of businesses in the area."

But planning officers have refused the application, saying; "The proportions, siting and volume of the advertisements on this building are considered unacceptable. Cumulatively they result in significant visual clutter to the detriment of the street scene character and appearance and the character of the host building. The advertisements do not accord with the Council's Shopfront Design Guidance and as a result do not preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the City Centre Conservation Area."