‘It’s unfair’ - Liverpool Hooters controversial sign dispute will not go to public hearing

The future of the controversial signs outside the Liverpool branch of Hooters will not be considered in public.

In November, the American chain finally opened its second UK venue on Water Street despite public outcry against the move. While the city’s licensing committee was happy to grant permission for the new venue to operate, the local authority’s planning body was not keen on two large neon orange signs to be placed outside New Zealand House.

As such, planning permission for those was rejected. However, this didn’t stop the business, who put the signs up anyway and have appealed Liverpool Council’s decision. Letters from the Planning Inspectorate have confirmed the future of the signage will be dealt with by way of written representation rather than a public hearing.

In a letter to residents, seen by the LDRS, Cllr Nick Small said he and ward colleague Cllr Christine Banks would be sending their opposition to the body.

He said: “The operators of Hooters have submitted an appeal against the council’s decision to the independent Planning Inspectorate, which they are legally entitled to do.

“They have also, despite there being no planning permission currently in place, put the signs up anyway – unlawfully. All representations made at the initial stage of the planning application will be considered at this, including our formal representation against granting planning permission, as well as the letters and emails of objection from residents.

“The Planning Inspectorate will also consider the Council’s reasons for rejecting the application and the counter arguments made by Hooters.” Speaking to the LDRS last year, Rachel Moss, Hooters Liverpool’s managing director said she wasn’t concerned about the signs and claimed to have not received any written correspondence from Liverpool Council.

She said: “We have the right to appeal and we have followed all the rules and regulations. It’s unfair. We were refused a canopy and told we couldn’t have a flag but there’s a flagpole on top of the building.”

According to the Planning Inspectorate documentation, Hooters’ appeal was officially launched by Mrs Moss’ company Beauvoir Developments Ltd on February 23.

The Planning Inspectorate aims to deal with appeals following this procedure within eight weeks of the appeal start date.