Permission refused for shop window adverts

The dispute is over advertisements on external windows at the back of the shop

A retailer is entangled in a planning row just months after taking over a former Debenhams outlet.

Blackpool Council refused advertisements on external windows at the back of the Frasers shop, on the corner of Albert Road and Coronation Street.

It is no longer used as an entrance to Houndshill Shopping Centre but is overlooked by the Grade II* listed Winter Gardens.

Frasers has appealed the decision.

Town hall planners allowed some adverts to be installed, but refused permission for three vinyl displays on glazing within the rear turret of the building.

'Poor quality'

In refusing the application, council planners said the vinyls were “excessive and exceptionally poor quality".

They also claimed it would result in that corner appearing "cluttered".

But Jigsaw Planning, which submitted the appeal on behalf of Frasers, said “the part of the store relative to the refused signs is very much the back of the store, where there is no public access and no product”.

'Dead space'

In a document submitted as part of the appeal, it added that the corner of the former lobby is a "dead space" and any view in through the former doors would be of a stairwell.

It also said the signs "did not have an unduly harmful impact on the visual amenity, character and setting of the building in the street scene".

The site was built as an extension to the Houndshill Centre in 2008 and was occupied by Debenhams until it closed in May 2021, before Frasers moved in last November.

The appeal will be considered by an independent planning inspector.

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