A city centre shop installed a “crude” sign which “causes immediate visual harm” without permission.
Cash Generator opened a new branch in on the ground floor of the heritage-rich Pearl Assurance House at the junction of Kirkgate and Bank Street in Bradford city centre in September last year. The building is Grade II listed, dates back to the 1870s and was designed by celebrated architects Lockwood and Mawson.
Before the pawnbroker service got off the ground, concerns were looming due to their installation of eye-catching blue and yellow signs without obtaining the necessary listed building consent – a requirement for modifications to structures with listed status.
Bradford Civic Society labelled the signs “garish” and has prompted Bradford Council to look into the matter. Cash Generator then sought retrospective planning permission in November.
Cash Generator in Bradford city centre
(Image: LDRS)
However, on Monday, January 6 Bradford Council has since denied these plans, with planning officials calling out the signage as an “incongruous feature” in contrast to the City Centre Conservation Area’s historic ambiance. Bradford Council’s Conservation Officer Jon Ackroyd said: “The building is Grade II listed and displays bold Italianate architectural detailing, designed by eminent architects Lockwood & Mawson.
“The scale of the building and quality of the architectural embellishment brings a very strong contribution to the conservation area.”
“The presentation of the building at ground floor is undermined by poor quality 20th century shopfronts and roller shutters. These were however, previously somewhat mitigated by dark and subdued colouring.
“The installed and applied for signage comprises five box fascia signs across the three elevations of the building. These are internally illuminated.
“The size, projecting form, colour and internal illumination of the signs all combine to create a very strident and crude appearance which conflicts with the listed building.
“The effect has been further compounded by the painting of boarded pilasters, shopfronts and external shutter boxes in the same strident colour.
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“The implemented signage causes immediate visual harm to the listed building and city centre conservation area environment.”
Two public objections were also acknowledged referring to the work as “out of character” and criticising the company for installing the signs before seeking permission in connection with the Grade II listed building.
Council officers said: “The external signage detracts from the character and appearance of the Grade II Listed Building and the wider Conservation Area appearing as an incongruous feature within the vicinity, creating a strident feature in the street scene which fails to preserve or enhance the character.”
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