Chesterfield bar owner responds to concerns about 'unsuitable' sign

Chesterfield Civic Society said it was ‘unhappy’ that Bar35 on Stephenson Place had erected the sign over its entrance ‘in breach of planning rules’.

MORE: Northern Rail sorry to Derbyshire passengers for ‘poor performance’

The bar’s owner insisted she was working with Chesterfield Borough Council regarding the issue.

A spokesperson for the society said: “Last year the borough council granted planning permission to convert 35 Stephenson Place into a micro-pub, but told the operator that a separate application must be made to put up a sign.

“Despite this, a sign was erected and the operator is now seeking retrospective planning consent for it to stay.”

Philip Riden, the society’s chair, added: “There is little point in Parliament making regulations for the control of advertisements, or local authorities trying to enforce them, if property owners are allowed to ignore the rules with impunity.”

Victoria Naylor, owner of Bar35, told the Derbyshire Times: “I’ve definitely not been underhand.

“This was simply an oversight and I’m currently working with the borough council on this.”

The civic society spokesperson added: “The design, size and brightness of the sign make it unsuitable for the Edwardian shop on which it has been installed, which stands within the town centre conservation area.”

Mrs Naylor responded: “Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion – but at the end of the day the borough council will make the final decision on whether or not the sign is appropriate.”

MORE: Chris Henchliffe’s mum launches petition to make Chesterfield’s nightlife ‘safe again’ - after fresh tragedy over weekend