CONTROVERSIAL signs for the new restaurants at the Greenwich Pier development are to be considered by councillors.
A meeting of the Greenwich Area Planning Committee early next month will decide whether to approve illuminated signs at the Frankie & Benny’s restaurant.
Local planners refused a previous application for signs that were originally put up by Frankie and Benny’s and the eatery is now trying to get retrospective permission for its replacement signs – reduced in size – that it also put up without consent.
Sixty-three letters of complaint have been sent to the council over the plans and opposition has also come from the Greenwich Society.
A report by council officers recommends councillors accept the revised signs, adding that they do not “adversely affect the character and appearance of the surrounding area (including nearby listed buildings and structures, the Greenwich Park Conservation Area or the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site).”
Officers also recommend that councillors approve the use of two 4m x 3m parasols on the upstairs terrace.
Illuminated letting, window logos and a canopy at neighbouring Zizzi will also be considered by councillors, and have also been recommended for approval by officers.
The planning meeting will take place on July 4th.
Another Greenwich Pier restaurant, Byron, has just submitted a planning application for more illuminated signage, too.
The burger restaurant wants to add two window logos and have a second illuminated 60cm x 163xm Byron logo. The signs will be “relatively understated when compared to that of the neighbouring restaurants,” says a supporting statement with the planning application.
Greenwich is gone to the dogs. It only caters for tourists and chavs nowadays.
For the astonishing rent that these outlets are paying, some kind of advertising is surely expected.
However, there are obviously alternatives to ‘illuminated plastic’. Maybe something more in keeping with the nautical theme…