RUMPUS OVER NEWLY-INSTALLED SIGNAGE AT GRIMSBY TOWN CENTRE TRAVEL AGENCY

The new signs were installed in advance of planning consent

                                        

SIGNS installed by Lincolnshire Co-op outside its travel shop on Victoria Street in Grimsby have sparked a right old brouhaha.

The signs were installed without consent, and the Co-op was told it needed to submit a retrospective application for them to be retained.

North East Lincolnshire Council's heritage officer, Louise Jennings, has not been impressed.

This is her report:

"Central Grimsby Conservation Area was designated in 1990, with the designation based around the medieval street pattern. 

"There are a large number of listed buildings in this area which exemplifies the past prosperity of the commercial area of Grimsby. 

"During the expansion of the town  between 1801 and 1901, a major redevelopment of this area took place with many fine Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings being erected but retaining the medieval layout of the town centre. 

"33 Victoria Street is close to several listed buildings including Barclays Bank, a Grade 2 listed structure which is next door. 

"All shop fronts in this area make a contribution to the overall desirability of the area. 

"The proposals need to be appropriate to ensure the highest standards are stringently applied to ensure no harm is caused by cumulative impact of poor signage. 

"The sign at 33 Victoria Street  is not characteristic of the historic area, nor does it make a positive contribution to it. 

"Victoria Street signs are in relief and this proposal does not follow that characteristic style."

Following her observations, some modifications were proposed to which the heritage officer responded with something less than enthusiasm: "At least it's improved a bit."

But following consultations with the applicant which agreed to some modifications, the council's planning case officer, Jonathan Cadd, has granted consent, reckoning the signage to be an improvement on those approved at the Specsavers shop next door. 

Says he: " The signage has been installed, and the applicant has agreed to make a number of amendments to reduce the impact of the signage and to create a positive frontage that protects the historic appearance of the area in a clear modern manner but with halo illuminated individually cut letters and a raised internally illuminated logo. 

"Such designs are seen on many shop fronts in the area but provides an enhancement on that erected currently."

                                                                        

Sleek and modern - but appropriate for a conservation area?

The Grimsby News says: How frustrating it must sometimes feel to be the heritage officer at NELC! In certain settings, the Co-op's new signage would be perfectly acceptable, but not in a conservation area with many buildings of high architectural and historic merit. NELC has caved in to the pressure of commercial expediency. With this regrettable decision, an attractive part of  Grimsby town centre has been further diminished.