Angry standoff in Cheltenham over business sign in Regent Street

“Nice to see that the red arrow badgers are at it again!”

“@GlosAnarchy - Shows she has no defense :)”

“No email address but I did find this - Conservation Enforcement Officer - 01242 264142”

“"I took over this shop a year ago but it was here for eight years prior to that and these signs were never a problem – so why now?"

In May 2009 there was a pastel yellow sign with another small sigh to the right, no over head sign board "above" her door, nowhere as conspicuous as the replacement shown in the picture.

So what about the paint job? Google maps shows (may 2009) the walls bellow ground level as being blue (the same as the rest of the building) they are now white! Might just drop the council an email as could not find LBC for the paint job on-line!

4. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
4.1. Signs advertising the name and activities of an office will normally be limited
to a professional plaque of appropriate design and materials, carefully located
by the front door; the size of each plaque not to exceed 0.25 square metres.
No other advertisements will normally be permitted on listed office premises,
although several properly co-ordinated plaques may be required according to
the number of firms occupying a building.
4.2. Where there is a different user in the basement, such as a shop, workshop,
café, or hairdresser, a more prominent display is appropriate. This will
normally need to be a sign in suitable lettering painted directly on to the
render above the head of the basement windows and below any string
course. Alternatively, appropriate freestanding individual letters applied
carefully to the wall would normally be acceptable if they do not protrude too
far and are of a suitable high quality material – not a shiny plastic. Any
lettering must be discreet in terms of size, materials and finish. Conformity to
a house style would not be sufficient justification for an appropriate typeface.
The lettering should not be on a separate board and should have as its
ground the main colour of the building. Any essential supplementary display,
such as a menu, should be located as discreetly as possible. The basement
area railings should not be encumbered with these or other notices.
4.6. Advertisements displayed in spaces between or below windows are
inappropriate in virtually all cases, as are awnings in basement areas and
signs projecting from the face of buildings.
4.7. Advertisements, whether fixed or removable, will not be permitted above
ground floor level (e.g. on first floor windows or balconies) or on railings in
front of or to the side of buildings.”

“From the little I've been able to find out about this shop on-line, the place should be shut down anyway. Would be one less woo-merchant to worry about.”

“The sign was deemed to be protruding too much? Isn't it a flat sign? Is there a hate campaign going on against this shop, as any supportive comments have also been red arrowed many times. I think this issue highlights a need for the council to revamp its policies regarding town centre traders and to start implementing new ones to help independents. No independent traders means Cheltenham is the same as any other town in the country and tourism will die off.”

“OK Ms Taylor, you've had your free publicity, and your 15 minutes.”

“Conservation area map - http://tinyurl.com/adbhgaw

Most minor alterations affecting external appearance (windows, roofing, installation of satellite dish, fencing and so on) are likely to require planning permission. So I would say the blue sign might just affect the "external appearance"

A note to SKY installers, please check the maps as you don't ever check if planning permission is required when you install a dish, even if it's on a listed building!

"Most authorities will only investigate suspected listed building offences on the receipt of complaints from concerned neighbors, passers-by or other informants"”

“I think it is very hard for businesses below street level such as this one to be spotted. They need to make themselves seen or it is very easy to walk past and not know they are there. I also understand that a careful balance is needed between 'regency Cheltenham' and the fact that these buildings are now being used for retail. I think in this case these signs let you know that the shop is there without detracting from the building that they are in. Also the owner has not resorted to placing an a-frame on the pavement which I appreciate. I much prefer a sign to a thousand wasted flyers being put through my door any day.”

“How do you know the other firms haven't been asked, have you asked them ? Do they have permission for their signs ? Have you asked the council why you're being treated differently or did you just run to the papers?

The Signs look horrid, go look at them in person.”