‘Garish’ Indian restaurant signs approved by Wakefield Council after redesign
An Indian restaurant has been granted permission for new advertising to be displayed outside its premises in Wakefield city centre – months after it was refused for being “garish.”
In April last year, Wakefield Council rejected a retrospective application for the illuminated black and orange signage at Tanvis Indian Cuisine, on Northgate.
The authority also said enforcement could be taken to have it removed following the decision.
A fresh application was then submitted by Surya Kiran Amalakatta, which proposed toning down the scheme, has now been approved.
A report said: “Given the bright branding of this restaurant, the owner has committed to keeping the internal illumination turned off.
“Instead a slim trough light is proposed to be installed above the lettering.
“In addition, the owner has committed to painting the orange panels either side of the entrance.”
The original plans were rejected last year after a conservation officer said: “We are concerned that the internal illumination and colours create an overtly contemporary and garish addition to the street scene, at odds with the historic setting.”
The business is close to the Wood Street conservation area which is set to be expanded to include the site.
A number of historic listed buildings are close to the property, including the neighbouring former coroner’s court building.
The report said black cladding also appeared to have been fitted to the front of the building without permission being obtained.
The officer added: “Such works require planning permission which has not been sought and thus these works are also liable to possible enforcement action.”
The building dates back to the 1930s and used to be The Jockey pub until around 2010.
The document added: “Whilst the building has modest architectural and historic significance, it reflects early 20th century development along the street and retains its distinctive form.
“It can be classed as an undesignated heritage asset with local architectural and historic significance.”