Council probes 'eyesore' listed building sign

The sign on the old Barclays Bank site in South Shields was removed this week

A council is investigating whether a sign placed on a Grade II-listed former bank is in breach of planning control rules.

The blue and yellow sign for the 'Shields European Store' appeared on the former Barclays Bank building in King Street, South Shields, earlier this month.

Although it has since been removed, its appearance prompted local residents to take to social media calling the sign "an eyesore", and sparking concern about the usage of the building, which had been earmarked for apartments.

Owners Regal Bifrons Properties said the store would not go ahead, and the sign had been removed. South Tyneside Council said it was investigating the works to affix the sign to the listed building.

Built in the early 1800s, the 12,410 sq ft (1,153 sq m) curved, sandstone building straddles both King Street and Fowler Street.

Regal Bifrons Properties purchased it last year, stating it had plans to convert the building into 26 one-bedroom flats and studio apartments.

Director Daniel Goggins said the plan was always to rent out the ground-floor shop, and repurpose the upper floors as flats.

South Shields Labour MP Emma Lewell said the sign looked "awful" in a post on X.

"We had hired a firm to help us with the due diligence and I don't think they have done a very good job," said Mr Goggins, confirming the store would not open.

"Rest assured we will sort this."

He said the ideal ground-floor tenant would be a coffee shop.

The signage was removed sometime between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning this week.

The Labour-run council said: "Whilst the sign which had been displayed has now been removed, we are continuing to investigate whether there has been a breach of planning control as a consequence of the works to affix the sign to the listed building."

The council said the use of the ground-floor premises as a shop does not require planning permission.

However, the local authority said no planning application - or application for listed building consent - had been received in connection with any new use of the upper floors.