16th century pub ordered to remove garish signs

8:40am Friday 26th December 2008

A TOWN centre pub in Yate has been ordered to remove outdoor smoking shelters and "unacceptable" advertising banners.

The expensive shelters outside the White Lion, on Church Road, attracted the attention of planning enforcement officers from South Gloucestershire Council because they were not in keeping with the 16th century, grade II listed building.

The authority also found a security camera, a satellite dish, a UPVC doorway, a banner advertisement and timber fencing were not in line with planning policy and ordered them to be removed in December last year.

Previous pub landlords Gary and Ann Gammage, who left for a yachting holiday in September, lodged an appeal against the council’s findings.

In a report out this week, an independent planning inspector has upheld the council’s decision and likened the three fixed parasols used by smokers to "beach shelters".

Jane Stiles said they were an "incongruous addition that is alien to the historic context" of the building, one of the oldest in Yate.

Current landlords Terry and Andrea Unwin, who moved from Chicester to run their first pub, will have to remove all the offending items within four months.

Cllr Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment, said: "We are delighted that the planning inspector has upheld these enforcement notices.

"Anyone making alterations to listed buildings must realise that we will take action where necessary to protect our heritage."

Mr Unwin told the Gazette he would be conforming with the ruling and would be meeting planning officials at the council for further advice.