Advert boards rejected in 'historic city centre'

A planning inspector has rejected plans for digital advertising boards because they could "distract" from a "historic" city centre.

Bradford Council initially refused to grant permission for three "communication hubs" in the city centre, which would have included 86in (218cm) illuminated LCD advertising boards as well as a defibrillator and free Wi-Fi.

A government inspector has now dismissed an appeal by the applicant for the plans for the boards, one of which would have been in City Park.

The inspector said the structure could "distract from the fine architectural features" of Grade I-listed Bradford City Hall.

They described City Hall as a "magnificent civic building, which is recognised as being of the highest national significance".

JCDecaux applied for consent to install the three hubs in City Park, on Bridge Street and on Bank Street last spring, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Bradford Council planners said they would add extra clutter to areas that were already undergoing major refurbishments.

The company then lodged appeals against all three decisions. Last year the Bridge Street appeal was dismissed by a planning inspector, and shortly before Christmas the City Park appeal was also dismissed.

In its appeal, JCDecaux said although the structure would be modern, "being a modern form of development is not in and of itself a justification for refusing permission".

It added: "While the hub would be seen as a modern intervention it would not appear so unexpected or alien a feature within a retail centre such as Bradford."

In their decision, planning inspector E Worthington pointed out the hub would be in the centre of City Park, adding: "It is an impressive remodelled civic space and high quality area of public realm.

"The historic centre is characterised by an eclectic mix of building styles including a strong collection of ornate Victorian structures intended to illustrate wealth, prestige and civic pride.

"While not included in the reasons for refusal, the council refers to the nearby Grade I-listed building at Bradford City Hall, which is also considered in the appellant's case."

Bradford City Hall was completed in 1873 and was intended to compete with Leeds and Halifax town halls.

The planning inspector said: "The town hall is close to the appeal site, looks out over it and forms part of the backdrop to it, and there is inter-visibility between it and the appeal site.

"The proposals would be prominently located in what is currently an open and relatively uncluttered expanse of high quality and attractive public realm."

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