D-DAY FOR BRIGG TOWN CENTRE APPLICATION - ON D-DAY!

A decision is due to be made today on a planning application seeking approval to erect new signage in Brigg town centre, within the conservation area.
This afternoon (Wednesday, June 6) North Lincolnshire Council's planning committee will consider whether to grant advertisement consent to display a non-illuminated fascia sign at 4 Market Place (years ago the site of a popular cafe).
The applicant is  Gwen Batstra, Lifestyle.
Brigg's Coun Carl Sherwood has described the application as being of significant public interest.
A council officer's report prepared for today's meeting - aptly being held on the anniversary of D-Day in 1944 - says:

• Historic Environment Record (Conservation) objects on the grounds that the signs will be out of keeping with the character of the conservation area and will have an adverse impact on the setting of nearby listed buildings. The proposal will not preserve or enhance the heritage asset and is contrary to policy.
• Brigg Town Council does not feel that the proposal is in keeping with the conservation area, in particular the design of the first floor, whilst the ground floor improvements were welcomed.

The  council officer's report says: "The building on which the signs are to be located has been empty for some time and the applicant intends to use the property as an antique centre, selling a variety of products. The applicant states that the proposed signs represent the art deco period of the building, and are therefore in keeping with the character and period of the site, and the conservation area in which it is located. 
"Whilst the re-use of the property is to be welcomed, the number, scale and positions of the signs are considered to be excessive, and detrimental to the character of the building as a whole, and the conservation area."
The officer is recommending that the committee refuses the application. However, councillors may, if they wish, vote to grant permission or, perhaps, hold a site meeting before making a final decision at a later date.
When the application was submitted last year, a supporting statement told  council planners that, in keeping with the period the building was erected (circa 1920s), an art deco design had been chosen for a  dark blue/steel blue sign to start above the ground floor window and "embrace" the first floor window. It was suggested that the sign would contribute to the Conservation Area.
No 4 Market Place is located between the Woolpack and the Brown & Co Offices, and adjoins Market Lane.
Also at today's meeting, the committee will be asked to rule on an application to erect three pairs of semi-detached houses on the site of the former Railway Inn (now demolished) off Kings Road, Barnetby.
Councillors will also consider an application to  to erect a replacement dwelling with detached garage (including demolition of existing dwelling) at  Park Lea, Barton Road, Wrawby.
Today's meeting is in the Council Chamber at Scunthorpe Civic Centre, off Ashby Road, starting at 2pm. It is open to interested members of the public.