Residents fear their village may be transformed into a ‘Florida shanty town’ after plans for illuminated signs on a popular pub were revealed.
An application has been sent to North Shropshire District Council to put up four illuminated signs, measuring two metres by 600 millimetres and 3.6 metres by 900 millimetres, on the the Premier Inn hotel attached to the Bridgewater Arms pub in Harmer Hill.
Bryan North, who lives next door to the pub in Bridgewater Close, told the Chronicle that he feared it would ruin Harmer Hill as an area of outstanding beauty.
He said: “I have been living here for about 15 years and what I’m objecting to is the number of signs that have been applied for.
“There are already four or five signs at the moment. The proposed signs don’t need to be illuminated. It’s over the top.”
Brian Williams, district councillor, said that he had received complaints about the proposed signs.
He said: “The residents are very unhappy about this.
“Harmer Hill is a relatively rural village and it doesn’t need that many signs.
“I have had several complaints and the parish council are concerned about it.
“The parish council recommended it to be refused. It is out of character with the area.
“It would make the approach to Harmer Hill look like a Florida shanty town.”
Rian Huxley, NSDC spokesperson, confirmed the application decision was pending for four illuminated signs on the building.
Mr Leslie Gregg, the agent for the application, said that there may now only be three signs placed on the inn.
Premier Inn did not comment as the Chronicle went to press.
