Advertising Consent within a Conservation Area | Commercial Bar & Restaurant | Cambridgeshire
Dan Page Architectural Services were instructed to assist the new bar and restaurant owner after receiving an enforcement notice from East Cambs District Council following the erection of a new backlit advertisement and business signage for The Wilburton Flame bar and restaurant, formerly The King’s Head public house, 45 High Street, Wilburton, Ely.
The bar and restaurant is the only remaining public house on Wilburton High Street, following the closure of The Red Lion, The Royal Oak, The Chequers and The Bell and the new owner was keen to ensure it remained open and legal for business.
The application for consent to advertise in a conservation area involved preparing and submitting drawings, photographs and lighting details for the new external business signage to the front and rear elevations of the property, including a principal sign above the front entrance.
Although the signs were already designed and erected by the business, ECDC agreed that the proposals responded carefully to the character and appearance of the existing building and its surroundings due to it’s location within a conservation area setting.
Advertisement consent was granted by East Cambridgeshire District Council and the approved design retained a restrained approach to signage, ensuring the business could improve its visibility while respecting the traditional appearance of the building. Particular consideration was given to the scale, positioning and visual impact of the signs, especially on the principal frontage facing High Street.
This project demonstrates how well-prepared drawings and a clear planning submission can help businesses secure consent for advertising and signage in conservation areas, where design sensitivity, visual amenity and local character are key planning considerations.
