New signage for city centre agreed

Chichester District Council’s planning committee approved two applications lodged by Chichester BID.

The plans include new finger posts and freestanding signs, the latter of which is hoped to mitigate the impact of the removal of A-boards.

BID chairman Andrew Finnamore said: “We are trying to make it easier for people to navigate the city.

“Each business in the side streets will given the opportunity to have a double-sided slat. The finger posts will add to the variation of signs for strategic directions.

“We are trying to make it easier for people to navigate the city.”

The committee unanimously agreed the two applications, which will see the signs dotted around key parts of the city centre.

Black aluminimum finger posts will point to visitor attractions, which dark purple versions highlighting the city’s cultural landmarks.

The freestanding signs will feature a series of slats, for small businesses to advertise on.

Separate advertisement consent will be required for each slat.

Permission was sought in part due to a clamp down on A-boards in 2014 – but Mr Finnamore said the boards, which were technically illegal, had started to creep back.

Praising the plans, councillor Myles Cullen said: “This has got to be seen in the context of the fact this city was overcome by a plethora of A-boards.

“They did serve a function but there was no control. It’s very difficult to get control without starting from scratch. The BID has done an excellent job here.”

Councillor Richard Plowman, Liberal Democrat for Chichester North, also welcomed the plans.

He said: “Most people will remember we have been looking for many years to have adequate signage in the city and I think finger posts are a very traditional way of doing it.”

Councillor Gordon McAra wished the BID luck but warned the A-board replacements would need full cooperation from all businesses in order to be a success.