The owners of a Wokingham restaurant have reacted with disappointment to a decision to refuse a planning application for signage and digital screens.
Rajaputana Hospitality Ltd had applied for permission to replace external signage at the first floor level of the Sultan Indian restaurant in Market Place, as well as to install two internal digital screens to promote the business.
Wokingham Borough Council refused the application “ .. due to the level of illumination comprising the video screens, and the use of inappropriate materials for the proposed signage in a prominent location within the core of the Wokingham town centre conservation area.”
It added the plans were “unsympathetic”, and would be “detrimentally harmful to the historic character and setting of the listed building.”
Speaking to Wokingham Today, a spokesperson for the restaurant said they believed the plans were no different to signs and digital screens that have been used by businesses elsewhere in Market Place, and more widely in the town.
The spokesperson said: “We are well aware of the fact that we have a listed building in a conservation area, but at the same time we have a business to run, and one that needs to generate income to maintain the building in its current state.”
They added that owners and occupiers of other listed buildings in Wokingham have been allowed to promote their businesses through similar signage.
“Recently we were asked to remove a small, 10-inch neon ‘open’ sign on our front door.
“It doesn’t seem as though the rules are being applied consistently.”
A new business recently opened a new dessert concept, Gelatoo, in the ground floor space.
It has been struggling to raise awareness and showcase its offerings to passers by.
The restaurant has been operating in Wokingham for more than 35 years, and embarked on a significant refurbishment following the Covid pandemic.
