Museum removes sign in listed building row

Tullie changed the signs when it rebranded from its old name of Tullie House

A museum has removed its new sign following a row over the impact on its Grade I listed building.

Tullie, in Carlisle, had changed its signage following a refurbishment and to reflect a recent rebrand from its old name of Tullie House.

Carlisle and District Civic Trust claimed it had happened without the necessary permission being obtained, while Cumberland Council said Tullie had been given permission for the sign on the Gatehouse, however it had not been erected in accordance with the specifications of the planning consent.

In a social media post Tullie said it had not been asked to take the signs down.

"We're temporarily taking down the blue sign from the Gatehouse to ease a small number of concerns while we progress conversations with relevant parties over the look and design of the sign," a spokesman said.

"It is important to clarify that prior to our recently completed redevelopment work we obtained planning permissions and listed building consents for all the planned works including signage."

Tullie took down the sign this week

The civic trust called the building "iconic" and claimed the museum was "flouting planning law".

A spokesman said of the signage change: "It is appalling that a trust, charged with the protection of our heritage and culture, have acted in such a cavalier and illegal manner."

Cumberland Council said it was in negotiations with Tullie over their application and no enforcement action had been taken.

A spokesman said: "The sign which was erected was not in accordance with the permission and therefore further permissions are required due to slight nuances in location and size.

"Signage also requires advertisement consent - there is a current live application in for this. A new listed building consent will be required for the new signage."