Plans for signage at two Pudsey businesses refused

Planners have refused applications for signage at Vape Master on Lidget Hill in Pudsey and Mr Blue Market on Church Lane.

Both shops are within the Pudsey Conservation Area, and in both cases, the signage and shopfronts were installed without any planning permission.

Leeds City Council began enforcement action against the businesses.

Both applications had also attracted dozens of objections.

Thirty-four people objected to the Vape Master application, by W Walsh, saying it was “garish” and adding “it is too large, too bright and excessive". 

Refusing the Vape Master application, officers said: “Other nearby premises have commercial signage which is generally externally illuminated and/or of a more discreet and less garish form which is more appropriate for a conservation area location.

“As such, it is considered that the proposed sign, due to its size, form and means of illumination would create an overly dominant feature in the street scene in a prominent location which would adversely affect the appearance and the visual amenities of the surrounding area and would fail to maintain or enhance the character of Pudsey Conservation Area.”

The application for Mr Blue Market, by R Dyari, attracted 33 objections, which raised similar concerns.

Many said the signage was not sympathetic to the heritage building or Pudsey town centre.

Mr Blue Market in Pudsey (Image: T&A)

There were also three letters of support, with one saying the shop looked “very smart” and looked no different than other shops in the town centre.

Another hit back at those who objected to the unauthorised signage, saying: “We should support local business and not subject it to a Facebook witch hunt.”

Planning officers said: “The proposed advertisement due to its size, design and level of illuminance would create an unsympathetic and overly dominant feature within the street scene, which would adversely affect the appearance of this positive building, the visual amenities of the surrounding area and the special character and appearance of Pudsey Conservation Area.”

Officers pointed out that the applicants installed the signage without engaging with the Council, adding: “The Council engages with all applicants in positive and proactive way through specific pre-application enquiries and the detailed advice available on the Council's website.

“For this particular application, no advice was sought before the application was submitted.”