Planning appeal for Pickled Frog unauthorised sign dismissed

Kevin Daley's appeal against Wiltshire Council for Pickled Frog, at 51 Blue Boar Row, was dismissed by a planning inspector on Tuesday, September 3.

When Mr Daley opened the restaurant in May 2022, he installed a fascia sign on the Grade II listed building without planning consent and was immediately handed a planning notice.

More than a year later, on April 26, 2023, Mr Daley applied for retrospective planning permission for the sign.

Read more: ​Pickled Frog 'almost certain' to close if it is forced to remove sign

In this application, Mr Daley claimed the sign was essential for his business to be seen by Market Place visitors.

Pickled Frog must take down its fascia sign. (Image: Newsquest)

Wiltshire Council refused planning permission on June 21 as its independent planning inspector determined the sign "fails to preserve the character and significance of the listed building" and that it "negatively impacts upon visual amenity".

Mr Daley, a serving Wiltshire councillor, claimed the council's decision was "irrational" before unsuccessfully appealing the decision.

Inspector J Moss, who dismissed the appeal, said: "The fascia board has had an adverse effect on the important architectural features of the building and, therefore, the positive contribution the building makes to the Salisbury Conservation Area.

"Accordingly, I can only conclude that it fails to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the SCA.

"As such, the fascia board causes harm to the significance of the SCA designated heritage asset."

Kevin Daley, owner of Pickled Frog. (Image: Spencer Mulholland)

However, inspector Moss determined the harm caused to the significance of the designated heritage assets is "individually and cumulatively less than substantial".

Inspector Moss continued: "I have no doubt that the fascia board assists in advertising the commercial use of the premises and that this is important for the viability of the business.

"In this regard I acknowledge that there is an economic benefit associated with the fascia board.

"Whilst the appellant suggests that the current commercial use of the building would not continue, should the appeal be dismissed, I have been provided with little evidence to substantiate this.

"Furthermore, there is little evidence to suggest that there is not an alternative, more appropriate means of advertising the business on the elevation facing the market place."

The inspector also took issue with the fact that the sign has "altered the legibility of the building's historic and architectural interest" despite acknowledging that the appearance of the building has changed since it was listed and that features that "appear historic are quire recent additions".

To read the planning appeal in full visit development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z000019qoa9AAA/pl202301376?tabset-8903c=2.

Kevin Daley was approached for comment.