Toby Carvery ordered to replace signage

The current 4.64 metre tall internally illuminated sign, outside the carvery in George V Avenue, will be replaced by a new externally lit design measuring 1.2 metres less.

In December, the pub chain was refused planning consent for a variety of new signs including one externally illuminated totem sign, three internally illuminated fascia signs and two externally illuminated twin post mounted signs, on the grounds that the height of the totem sign was excessive and over-illuminated. However, the sign was erected anyway.

Nick Davey, speaking on behalf of Toby Carvery at a council planning meeting last Wednesday night, said: “The first thing we are doing is apologising to the council for putting the sign up in the first place. The company accepts the sign shouldn’t have gone up.

“The signs now proposed are very different to the signs originally put up. The signs are important to the company. They are its shop window. They are the main way we attract new custom.”

The sign was erected as part of a £250,000 refurbishment.

Councillors voted five to one in favour of the new signs.

Councillor Edward Crouch said: “I think the erecting of the previous signage did do damage for local residents.

“But looking at what is proposed, specifically the external lighting, itwill be much better.”