Row Erupts in Oakham Conservation Area Over 'Excessive Advertising Signage' and 'Extremely Bright' Barbers Pole
Residents living in the heart of Oakham’s Conservation Area have voiced strong objections to new, brightly illuminated signage and a barbers pole that has appeared on a former hair salon premises on Catmose Street. The controversy centers on whether the garish new fixtures are appropriate for the historic surroundings and the excessive nature of the illumination.
Councillor Martin Brookes, one of the Oakham South Ward Members for Oakham Town Council, has formally written to Rutland County Council’s Planning Department on behalf of his constituents, sharing their concerns.
“Residents and I believe there is an excessive amount of advertising attached to the building,” stated Cllr Brookes in his communication to the Council. “Furthermore, given that this property lies within the Oakham Conservation Area, we are strongly of the opinion that the illuminated pole, if granted retrospective planning consent, should not be illuminated at all.”
24/7 Illumination and Health Concerns
A primary point of contention is the intensity and constant nature of the lighting. The residents are objecting specifically to the pole being left on 24/7, arguing that continuous operation is “wholly inappropriate for the location.”
One resident has gone further, suggesting that the brightness of the LED pole is so extreme that it could potentially trigger epilepsy, highlighting a serious public health concern alongside the planning breach.
The property in question is the former ladies' hair salon on Catmose Street, and the signage, including the illuminated barbers pole, appears to have been installed without prior planning approval, necessitating a retrospective application. The affected residents are expected to submit their own written objections directly to the council soon.
Call for Update on Listed Bank Building
In addition to the Catmose Street dispute, Cllr Brookes used his correspondence to chase an outstanding query regarding another controversial advertising issue in the town.
He renewed a resident’s concern about the excessive advertising on the former Barclays Bank building, which is a Grade II Listed Building. Cllr Brookes noted that he has not yet received a response to his initial query on the matter and requested an “urgent update on the status of this case.”
The council's Planning Department is now tasked with reviewing the Catmose Street installation, considering both the conservation area rules and the residents’ concerns, while also providing clarity on the status of the Listed Building advertising issue.
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