PLANS for a huge digital poster on Estcourt Road have been rejected on appeal. 

The original application was rejected on the grounds that the digital poster would harm the character of the "existing heritage streetscape and setting of the Cathedral". 

And now the appeal has also been dismissed, with the planning inspector saying the main issue was the effect of the proposal on amenity (the pleasantness or attractiveness of a place). 

Salisbury Journal: Councillor Paul Sample said these signs might look OK at Waterloo Station (pictured) but it isn’t OK for Salisbury. Councillor Paul Sample said these signs might look OK at Waterloo Station (pictured) but it isn’t OK for Salisbury. (Image: PA Media)

The existing and proposed poster site is located on the end of 57 Estcourt Road, at the junction with Park Street. There is a similar poster display opposite.

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The host property is a two-storey building, with a commercial ground floor and a residential unit above.

Inspector Cramond said: "In general terms, even with the local businesses and a well-used road abutting, the locality struck me as quite low key in nature; low level premises, limited, usually directly related advertising where in commercial use, and, overall, an aesthetic which is far from brash or impactful.

"The sense is that homes predominate in the bigger picture and the inherent residential amenity is a pleasant one."

They added that the planned poster would "regrettably" be seen from the nearby Milford Hill Conservation Area and by many more people as they drive southwards down the A36.

"These vehicle occupiers have the main vista of the Grade I listed Salisbury Cathedral in front of them and appeal site not far off to one side. It is fair to say that this is an iconic view and of appreciable visual amenity", the decision letter stated. 

"In summary, the scheme would result in a negative impact on amenity."

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Paul Sample, Wiltshire councillor for the St Edmund's ward, said: "I am very pleased that the plans to install a digital poster site at the junction of Park Street and Estcourt Road have now been rejected by the Planning Inspector.

"Several local residents lobbied the Council to refuse planning permission and a digital poster here would have been a huge eyesore. These signs might look OK at Waterloo Station but it isn’t OK for Salisbury. The residents have won!”