Coffee shop ad ban causes a stir

Councillors say planners have adopted a hardline approach to local businesses advertising their premises.

They expressed dismay at planners who have refused to give permission for an advertisement above the ‘Ground’ Coffee Shop at High Street.

Planners say the signage is considered to be detrimental to the visual amenity of the surrounding Ballymoney Conservation Area by reason of its inappropriate scale and design.

Planners also say the advertisement signs would, if permitted, adversely affect the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

A planning officer said the scheme involves banners at first floor level at ‘Ground’ which he said are inappropriate in a Conservation Area.

Councillor Ian Stevenson (DUP) said he accepted it is in a Conservation Area but he said he recalled a similar issue with another business.

He said planners seem to have a problem with signs for shops.

Cllr Stevenson added: “Shops need an opportunity in this day and age to advertise themselves. There are enough empty shops in the town.”

Cllr John Finlay (DUP) said he was disappointed planners were taking such a rigid stand.

He added: “Traders need every help they can get to survive”.

A planning officer said the Department is not against signage in a Conservation Area but said signs need to be appropriately designed.