WARRINGTON Masonic Hall Co Ltd has lost a planning battle for the right to display four advertising banners on the front of Winmarleigh House in Winmarleigh Street.
Mark Caine, a Government-appointed inspector who considered the company’s appeal against the borough council’s decision to refuse planning consent for the banners said the signage would make the building – a locally listed building – appear “cluttered and overburdened.”
Mr Caine said Winmarleigh House was a large, prominent building of predominantly red brick construction, with horizontal stone banding and vertical pillars to each side of the central ground floor entrance.
Although it was within the town centre, there was very little in the way of advertising and signage along Winmarleigh Street and the overall impression was one of quiet restraint.
He added: “The proliferation of signage would be seen as pronounced and obtrusive features in relation to its simple façade and the restrained street scene.
