Calls to remove digital displays installed without permission

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Three digital advertising displays installed without permission at a Chippenham shopping centre face removal calls.

Three large digital advertising displays have been installed at Borough Parade, a pedestrianised shopping centre in Chippenham, without prior planning permission. The displays have prompted objections from local councillors.

Each freestanding unit measures 2.7 metres tall and 1.3 metres wide and contains two digital display screens. They have been installed outside Units 5, 29 and 32 at the shopping centre. Smart Outdoor Limited is now applying retrospectively for advertisement consent for the displays.

Town and Wiltshire Councillor Clare Cape and town councillor Bettina Nonhoff have objected to the displays at Chippenham Town Council's Planning, Environment and Transport Committee. Describing the units as 'monstrosities', Cllr Cape said: 'I think Borough Parade shot themselves in the foot by installing these before seeking planning permission, thereby demonstrating just how unsuitable they are. I trust Wiltshire Council will support the objection and require them to be removed.' One visitor compared them to the opening scene of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Planning consultant Ardent Land said the displays were originally installed on the basis that an exemption under advertising regulations applied. Wiltshire Council will now consider whether to grant retrospective permission.

How it is being reported

• Calls to remove shopping centre ‘monstrosities’ installed without permissionCalls have been made for three “monstrosities” erected in Wiltshire to be removed after they were installed without planning permission.Gazette & Herald · 16 Oct, 05:00
• Calls to remove shopping centre ‘monstrosities’ installed without permissionCalls have been made for three “monstrosities” erected in Wiltshire to be removed after they were installed without planning permission.Wiltshire Times · 16 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Chippenham · Wiltshire Council · Borough Parade · Smart Outdoor Limited · Clare Cape · Bettina Nonhoff

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