Not On The Menu: Council Rejects Sam’s Chicken Sign

Already-installed illuminated signage at the front of an Isle of Wight fried chicken takeaway has been refused consent due to its ‘unsympathetic and harmful’ impact on the town centre.

County Hall rejected Mr T. Pirapagaran’s proposed illuminated advertising which is already in place at Sam’s Chicken on Newport’s St James’ Street.

Sam’s Chicken opened at the end of August and replaced vacant retail space, previously home to the Island Photo Centre, that closed in September 2022.

The council decision report for application 25/01450/ADV cited a failure to conserve or enhance the Newport Conservation Area.

It said:

“Both the fascia and projecting sign have already been installed and have been constructed from metal with vinyl wording and logos applied to the surface retrospectively, giving the signs a modern, reflective appearance.

“In addition, the projecting sign has been connected to a fixed bracket rather than hanging from a wrought iron backet which is the preferred method for a conservation area.

“Officers note that shop frontages within the immediate area tend to be very traditional in appearance with adverts painted onto the timber fascias as opposed to more modern facies being applied retrospectively, constructed from metal or plastic.”

The report concluded the choice of materials, design and fixing of the signage was not considered appropriate for the location.