A FIRM of solicitors which has an office in Oldham Road, Welfield, could face a difficult task in getting permission to illuminate a fascia sign.

Planners have recommended to Rochdale Township Planning sub-committee, which was due to meet on Tuesday, that permission should be denied for the sign outside the offices of Feld McKay Donner on the grounds of its size and design.

In a report for councillors, the planners say the premises benefit from a traditional timber shop front including a recessed entrance with display windows either side framed by two timber pilasters.

They say the property has existing internally-illuminated fascia and projecting box signs which have not received advertisement consent and are therefore deemed unauthorised.

The existing fascia sign is, however, enclosed by two pilasters and hence does not project the full width of the facade.

The application is for a new fascia sign but planners say it would be incompatible with the property by virtue of its size and design and would thus have a detrimental impact on the visual amenity with the surrouding area contrary to the ÚDP, or borough planning blueprint.

Planners say they are also not impressed by an application for a new shop front including roller shutters.

They are recommending that permission should be refused for this, too, on the grounds that the offices benefit from ther traditional shop front and a new front would result in the loss of all traditional features of architectural merit and therefore would be ‘unsympathetic to the character and appearance of the street scene’