Liverpool Hooters ordered to remove ‘garish’ signs or face prosecution

Hooters Liverpool could face prosecution if they do not remove controversial signs outside the venue.

The popular American food chain opened its second UK branch in Liverpool on November 21 in New Zealand House despite controversy. Based on conservation area, Water Street, Hooters had sought permission to display large illuminated signs and banners but were told not to do so by the council. However, despite rejection by the local authority, large orange ‘Hooters’ signs were erected outside the venue and the company placed an appeal.

In a decision made public on Monday, the Planning Inspectorate confirmed that the appeal has now been dismissed, and said there was “no public benefit that could outweigh the harm identified” by the signage. In her decision, inspector Sarah Colebourne said the main issue in the appeal was the effect of the proposed advertisements on amenity.

Now, Liverpool Council has ordered that the signs be removed in the next 14 days. If this deadline is not met, the local authority will start prosecution proceedings against Hooters.

What Hooters said: Speaking previously, Hooters managing director Rachael Moss cited other businesses nearby with signage outside as a precedent for her business. This was rejected by Ms Colebourne, who said they did not provide justification for the proposal. Ms Moss has not commented on the rejected appeal.

Reasons for dismissing the appeal: The planning inspector, who visited the site as part of the appeal earlier this month, said in her judgement she felt the illuminated signs would “detract significantly from the imposing entrance to the building which should remain its dominant feature. They would also distract from and compete with the listed buildings adjacent and opposite.”

Ms Colebourne acknowledged while the harm caused by the signs would “be less than substantial” she had not been told of “any public benefits in this case that would outweigh the harm identified.” The inspector added: “By reason of its siting, size, scale and design, it would fail to preserve or enhance the significance, character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of the listed buildings referred to earlier.”

Why plans were originally rejected: In October, plans to display two illuminated signs, a fixed banner and a new orange and white flag were rejected. Members of the public described the proposed signs and flags as ‘garish’ and ‘incongruous.’ In a Liverpool Council report they stated reasons for refusal as: “By virtue of size, design and siting, the proposed illuminated vertical signs, banner sign and flag would fail to preserve the character and appearance of the application building and Castle Street Conservation Area and the setting of the adjacent listed buildings.”