A PUB sign caused controversy at a planning meeting, as councillors approved the application despite objections.

The HIX Townhouse in Pound Street, Lyme Regis, brought an application before the West Dorset District Council (WDDC) Planning Committee for a new sign to be painted on the outside of the building.

However councillors declared the sign was 'excessively large' and 'out of keeping' with the area.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Cheryl Reynolds said: "I abstained from voting at the town council so I could come and talk to the committee today. The sign overlooks the whole of the road and is right on top of the main building. The actual wording is huge. It is completely out of keeping with all the other signs in Lyme Regis."

Lyme Regis Town Council recommended to refuse the application, on the grounds the sign was "excessively large and would have a negative and overbearing impact in such a prominent location in the town centre."

The proposed sign would be hand painted directly onto the wall and would measure three metres high by two and a half metres wide, with the 'HIX' logo painted in blue heritage colours.

Councillor Robin Legg asked if there was a justification for the size of the sign.

"Is it appropriate for the Victorian period because it does seem too big," he said.

Case officer David Hodges said: "It was very common in Victorian times to advertise in this way. It was very popular. What you should decide is whether it is right in this location."

A WDDC conservation officer said there were no objections to the proposals or the choice of colours.

Mr Hodges added if the conservation officer thought the sign was too big he did not think "they would have been shy about coming forward."

Councillor Margaret Lawrence said if she had a choice she would want the sign to be significantly smaller to match the Regent Cinema next door.

"If it was smaller it would be much easier on the eye," she said.

The planning application submitted several photos of other buildings showcasing similar signs including a vintage photo showing a Victorian pub with three similar signs.

The HIX Townhouse is a Grand II listed building and also lies within a conservation area.

Councillor Robin Potter objected to the sign and said: "It's a listed building, you are not supposed to do something like that on a listed building."

Councillor Legg reminded the committee that other amendments to buildings within the conservation area had been refused in the past.

He said: "Why can we be so relaxed about this when it is in a conservation area and is a listed building?"

Despite objections the committee voted to approve the application with eight votes to one.

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