Objectors to giant screen say city is 'not Tokyo'

Objections have been raised against plans for a new, large digital billboard in Norwich city centre.

The screen, which would measure 12m x 3m (39ft x 10ft) would go on the front of the Mountain Warehouse shop overlooking the Haymarket.

In a planning application, the firm behind the idea – Wildstone Estates Limited – said it would "revitalise the tired, out-of-date fascia of the building" and would "contribute positively" to the area.

More than 20 people have objected to the design, with one opponent writing that Norwich is "not downtown Tokyo".

Another, who lodged a comment with Norwich City Council, said there were currently no other similar screens in the city centre and suggested "it would set a dangerous precedent".

In documents sent to the council, Wildstone said the digital billboard would be "high quality, simplistic" and would remain "respectful of the surroundings".

It added the screen would "successfully integrate to the street scene, and positively contribute to the appearance of the immediate area".

Outside the shop, Margaret Duffield, 71, from Norwich said she was against the plan.

"I just think it'll be an eyesore; we've got enough eyesores now; we want some nice shops without billboards and things like that," she said.

But 38-year-old Adam from Norwich, who did not want to give his full name, said he was "pretty indifferent".

"There's plenty of other advertising around; what difference does a massive video make really to anything else?" he said.

"The only thing that does bother me is the environmental impact of them."

City councillors will decide on the plan at a later date.

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