'Garish' supermarket sign a Lidl bit too much

Lidl has been refused planning permission to put a ‘garish’ illuminated sign up in a Glossop conservation area.

Proposals for an illuminated 900mm x 700mm advertisement on the side of Cohens Chemist on High Street East were turned down for being ‘out of place’. 

Although there were no public objections, High Peak Borough Council (HPBC) ruled the signage on the gable end of the former Manor Inn - which dates from 1839 - would only benefit the supermarket rather than the community. 

“The signage forms an unsightly intrusion onto this elevation, introducing an eye sore and unnecessary clutter within the conservation area,” said a report from HPBC planning officer, Rosie Dinnen.

“Moreover, it bears no relation to the building on which it is positioned, Lidl is less than 100m away from the site.  

“Lidl is an established supermarket in the town and everyone in Glossop knows where it is located, they do not need additional signage to help them locate the store. 

“The signage uses Lidl’s corporate branding which is garish in colour and detracts from the recessive colour of the natural stone on the building. As such its visual impact is unacceptable.” 

Other illuminated box signs have been rejected in the conservation area, including at the other end of the High Street in September, when the Teno Cuts barbers' signage wasn’t deemed ‘humble’ enough.