Town councillors criticize Scarborough vape shop signaga

​Unique Home Properties’ application seeking retrospective permission for shopfront advertising in Scarborough’s conservation area has met with opposition from town councillors.

​Located at 91-91A Westborough, the vape and confectionery shop installed its signage “without prior advertisement consent” due to an “inadvertent oversight and not to circumvent planning”.

However, members of Scarborough Town Council’s community and place committee said the signage was “garish”.

​Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, February 25, Cllr David Knowles said: “It’s hideous and garish signage, especially in a town conservation area.”

​The committee voted unanimously to oppose the application over its visual incongruence with the area.

​However, North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the proposal.

​In a submission to the planning authority, the agent for the applicant said: “Our client acknowledged the need for consent and submits this retrospective application in good faith.

“The signage is human-scale, unobtrusive and visually compatible with the surrounding streetscape.”

​The agent added: “We respectfully request that the council grant retrospective advertisement consent for the signage.

​“Our client is willing to consider any reasonable adjustments the Planning Department may require to ensure compliance and visual amenity.”