A PLANNING inspector has thrown out an appeal that would have allowed a large digital advertisement to be installed at a busy junction.

In July Bradford Council refused planning permission for a six metre by three metre illuminated sign to be installed at the junction of Hamm Strasse and Valley Road, on a grass verge next to Forster Square Retail Park. Officers said the sign would be an "unduly dominant, intrusive and a discordant feature."

Insite Poster Properties appealed the decision, but now a government inspector has sided with the Council.

Inspector A McCormack said: "The amenity of the area would be diminished by the introduction of the proposed digital display into a street scene where there is currently no such display.

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"At a size of 6 metres x 3 metres, the proposed display would be a large, prominent and dominant feature in the local area and street scene. It would also appear visually separated from the retail development due to its landscaped setting. Given its size and position within the landscaped verge and against a backdrop of trees, I find that the display would appear out of context as the Retail Park and commercial character of the locality would be substantively screened from the public highway.

"Moreover, the illuminated display proposed would also be viewed against the back drop of the nearby former mill located to the east of Valley Road. As such, it would present a stark visual contrast to those viewing it which would result in harm to the amenity of the wider area for those passing through it."