PLANNING permission for illuminated signs at B&Q on Station Approach has been refused by Somerset Council despite the signs being in place and lit since 2022. Residents have previously raised concerns about light pollution and the signs being on late at night.
Prior to the store opening, B&Q submitted an application in 2021 for a mix of illuminated and non-illuminated signs and door vinyls to be erected outside and on the facade of the shop. The community, town council and Frome Civic Society objected, raising concerns around light pollution, disruption to residents’ sleep, impact on traffic and the neighbouring Grade II listed buildings and conservation area.
The store opened in 2022, and the illuminated signs were installed and turned on, despite the planning application still pending. However, last month Somerset Council decided to refuse the plans for illuminated signs due to their ‘detrimental effect on visual amenity.’
Frome Times asked Somerset Council why it took over three years to make a decision on this application and the authority said it was due to a combination of time spent negotiating a revised scheme with the applicants and staff resources.
After refusing the application and stating the signs should not be lit, Somerset Council said it would write to the owner to make sure they were aware of the limitations and if any related issues were raised as an enforcement complaint, the authority would investigate them.
Frome Times has also asked the DIY home store why the signs were illuminated when permission was never granted by Somerset Council, and the company has yet to respond.
