A bid to keep up controversial signs outside the Liverpool branch of Hooters has been rejected.
In November, the American chain opened its second UK venue on Water Street despite public outcry against the move. While Liverpool Council's licensing committee was happy to grant permission for the new venue to operate, the local authority’s planning body was not keen on two large neon orange signs to be placed outside New Zealand House when it met in October.
This didn’t stop the firm, who put up the signs anyway, in breach of its terms and launched an appeal against Liverpool Council’s original decision. In a decision made public on Monday, the Planning Inspectorate has confirmed that bid has now been dismissed, and said there was “no public benefit that could outweigh the harm identified” by the signage.
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In her decision, inspector Sarah Colebourne said the main issue in the appeal was the effect of the proposed advertisements on amenity. Ms Colebourne said given the site was located within the Castle Street conservation area, significance was drawn from it being “at the heart of Liverpool's traditional commercial centre in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.”
Speaking to the ECHO previously, Hooters managing director Rachael Moss has cited other businesses nearby with signage outside as a precedent for her business. This was rejected by Ms Colebourne who said they did not provide justification for the proposal.
She said: “In this street, advertisements are limited in number and generally restrained in their size, scale, design and illumination and any exceptions are generally limited to more modern buildings. The street is therefore somewhat subtle and restrained in its character and this contributes positively to the significance of the conservation area.”
The planning inspector, who visited the site as part of the appeal earlier this month, said in her judgement she felt the illuminated signs would “detract significantly from the imposing entrance to the building which should remain its dominant feature. They would also distract from and compete with the listed buildings adjacent and opposite.”
Ms Colebourne acknowledged while the harm caused by the signs would “be less than substantial” she had not been told of “any public benefits in this case that would outweigh the harm identified.” The inspector added: “By reason of its siting, size, scale and design, it would fail to preserve or enhance the significance, character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of the listed buildings referred to earlier.
“For the reasons given above and having regard to all other matters raised, I conclude that the proposal would cause significant harm in terms of amenity and the appeal should be dismissed.” The move to dismiss the application by Beauvoir Developments - which runs Hooters - was praised by Cllr Nick Small, who has long opposed the signage.
He said: “I'm delighted this appeal has been refused. Water Street is one of the most important heritage streets in our city and this signage was totally unsuitable.
“My ward colleague, Cllr Christine Banks, and I opposed this planning application from the start. I hope Hooters comply as soon as possible and take these signs down.”
Ms Moss declined to comment.
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