Council rejects 'visually intrusive' gold sign

A Dorset Council report said the first floor sign was 'visually intrusive' and the writing had a 'reflective quality'

Gold lettering for a nail shop sign has been rejected by a council for "failing to preserve and enhance" the building.

Dorset Council has denied permission for a retrospective application for a shop sign at The Nail Room.

The salon, in West Borough, put up black signs with gold lettering a year ago.

Wimborne Town Council, which has officers near the building, raised no objection to it, while Dorset Council's conservation officer had reservations.

A report by Dorset Council said the Grade II listed building, previously used by a blind and flooring business, was "unassuming" but "makes a positive contribution to the street scene".

The Nail Room is within the Wimborne Minster conservation area, along with other buildings like the Tivoli Theatre.

A planning case officer said The Nail Room had been contacted multiple times

A planning case officer said The Nail Room applicant had been contacted multiple times over the past few months, requesting further details of the signs and what was intended for them.

The officer said they had not received a reply which was why the council rejected the retrospective application.

The officer's report said: "The gold lettering fails to preserve and enhance the character of the listed building and the quality of the signage along West Borough.

"The gold letter does not respond well with the existing signage along West Borough which tends to be muted in colour and non reflective", the report continued.

It also said the size of the first-floor sign was "visually intrusive" and while the other two were "less problematic given their location and size" the officer said the "reflective quality" of the paint was similar.

The BBC has approached The Nail Room for comment.