Digital advertising display blocked by council

A 26ft (8m) advertising display described as "harmful to the townscape" has been blocked by a council.

The digital billboard would have been located above one of the entrances to Victoria Gate shopping centre in Leeds.

Marketing firm London Lites said similar displays had been granted planning permission elsewhere in the city centre and it would be a "vibrant" addition to the building.

But Leeds City Council called it a "clear example of poor design" that might distract passing motorists.

A council report said: "The proposal is considered insensitive, a poor response to the local context and harmful to the townscape."

Nearby historic buildings include the grade I listed market and grade II listed County Arcade, along with Coronation Buildings and Wray's Building, both grade II listed.

London Lites said the display would comply with local and national planning policies.

The company said: "This proposal will have a positive impact on the vicinity, adding an active and vibrant feature to the building, creating a feature in the street scene with colour and interest.

"We believe the advertisement is of a suitable size, scale and design which is in keeping with the area and surrounding properties."

The council received eight objections to the display, including from Leeds Civic Trust, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Reasons for refusal included visual harm for future tenants of Wray's Building, which was being turned into housing.

It is the second advertising display proposed by London Lites to be refused permission this month.

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