NEW Forest District Council has defended its decision to force a well-loved Fordingbridge shop to remove its black frontage sign, lighting and side signage.
As reported earlier this week by the Gazette, the row began after an anonymous concern was raised about black-painted brickwork at the business.
An investigation followed and while the council accepted the work to the wall, the inspection widened to include the shop signage.
The building is Grade-II listed and sits inside Fordingbridge’s conservation area.
Shop owners Tina and Chris must now remove the sign from the front of Tina at Timothy’s.
In a statement, NFDC said officers found what appeared to be unauthorised works during the inspection.
“During our inspection of the property further to the concerns of the painted brick work needing listed building consent, it was observed that there were other, what appeared to be, unauthorised works to the listed building including the shop signage and lighting,” a spokesperson said.
The council said the sign was not suitable for a listed building and was harming its historic character.
“This signage is not considered to be of a sympathetic material appropriate for a listed building and is considered harmful to its character and significance,” the spokesperson added.
Questions had been raised over why action is only being taken now, with the owners saying the sign has been in place for more than five years.
But NFDC said it had only recently become aware of the work.
“Until now, we were unaware of the unauthorised works that had been carried out,” the council said.
It added there is no time limit for enforcement action involving unauthorised work to listed buildings.
The council said officers had discussed alternatives with the owners including restoring a traditional shop fascia beneath the current sign.
Responding to claims the business had been singled out, NFDC said the case followed a complaint and was investigated under its normal enforcement process.
NFDC is displaying a petty small-minded outlook and wasting time, effort and importantly our money on something blatantly obviously trivial when there are far more pressing issues, ugly sights and community issues that should be taking priority over something as menial as this. In addition the council should be encouraging small businesses, the high street here is dying and who would want to open a business here now with a council like this in control. Atrocious waste of our council tax. Someone give them a jobsworth hat.
The Council really need to take a look at other ships then rather than just one – what about the Turkish barbers with the awful haircut photos outside! The cape ship, Dominic’s that also has a black sign etc
This is a ludicrous decision made by NFDC what they should be concentrating on is enforcing
Landlords of rundown properties in the High street
to make them Presentable.
This is a witch hunt based on 1 anonymous complaint
and directed to the smartest shop in Fordingbridge We live in the 21st century and It’s just a sign the fabric on the building has not be altered.
What happened to common sense !!
The council should take a look at the condition of all the shops if they had an ounce of common sense they would dismiss this decision.
I’ve been following this story and I’m stunned by the council’s attitude regarding this. Timothys is a great shop and always looks attractive and inviting. I do hope that common sense will prevail however, I’m sure the council will feel the need not to back down and loose face. Shame.
Go to appeal they are mad
All the council wanted is a planning application more money for them shame on you it’s hard enough to make a living.
L CANNOIT UNDERSTAND THE COUNCIL GOING TO ALL THIS TROUBLE TO MAKE THIS SHOP TAKE DOWN A PERFECTLY GOOD SIGN WHEN BUSSINESES ARE STRUGGLING THEY SHOULD BE THANKFULL THAT THE SHOP IS STILL OPEN AND LOOKING VERY GOOD I COME FROM RINGWOOD TO SHOP THERE . ALWAYS A VERY WARM WELCOME FROM THE STAFF IN THE SHOP COME ON COUNCIL GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AND USE YOUR HEADS FOR ONCE,NOT SOMEONES JEALOUS COMPLAINT . PLEASE HELP THESE HARD WORKING SHOP OWNERS
Jobs worth its just being petty
Shame this doesn’t apply to other shops in the high street
The high street looks really run doen
Oh for goodness sake Gove these shopkeepers a break this frontage looks lovely stop being so over zealous and go and sort some potholes instead and stop wasting our money on ridiculous things !!!!
Many of us would have thought that rather than victimising what is probably one of the smartest shops in Fordingbridge’s run down and struggling High Street, the spiteful Council who are supposed to be public servants would have actually had better things to do with their time and OUR money.