News / Advertising
Newly erected Old City billboard considered ‘unacceptable’ by council
A new three-storey billboard in the heart of Bristol’s Old City might soon be removed as quickly as it appeared, due to being erected without the necessary planning permission.
The bespoke advert for Ben & Jerry’s above the Bristol Blue Glass shop on High Street, close to its junction with Corn Street, was installed by workmen on Sunday.
By Monday there was considerable consternation from Bristol24/7 readers about its appearance.
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And the story took an unexpected twist after a visit from the city council.
“Planning enforcement officers visited the site today (Monday) and noted that a sign had been installed without the required advertisement consent or Listed Building Consent,” a Bristol City Council spokesman said.
“The installation is considered to be unacceptable and we will now take steps to secure its removal.”
A Ben & Jerry’s spokesperson told Bristol24/7: “We are glad this matter has been brought to our attention and will conduct a thorough investigation into the installation.
“We intend to work closely with the relevant parties to ensure that we are in full compliance with local planning consent and take the appropriate next steps.”
Local business owners Guy and Vic Siddall said that they were both “stunned” when they saw the billboard on Monday morning on the way into work.
They said: “It’s just so brazenly huge! The term ‘visual pollution’ was being used a lot last year and that’s exactly what this is.
“Neither of us could figure out how the council could permit this in Bristol’s historic Old City, so it’s a relief to discover that the council knew nothing about it and will now be enforcing its removal.
“There seems to be a blasé trend around here to seek forgiveness rather than permission, and last time that happened a listed ceiling got very publicly torn down.
“Hopefully this time any damage caused can easily be reversed.”
The High Street building prior to the erection of the billboard – photo from Google Street View
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