'Inappropriate' signs for new fast food restaurant in Colchester thrown out

SIGNS for a new fast food restaurant in Colchester's city centre have been refused after a charity branded them “inappropriate”.

Colchester Council has thrown-out an application made by Jkr Restaurants and Sign Specialists Ltd for its new Wendy’s restaurant in High Street.

The group wants to install a number of illuminated and non-illuminated signs depicting the brand's iconic image of the pigtailed, smiling girl.

Colchester Civic Society objected to the plans, saying the bold signs would be “inappropriate” for the city centre.

In a letter, the society stated: “The Colchester Civic Society object to the signage design and colour choice in the Conservation Area of our historic High Street.

“It is our contention that these proposals are singularly inappropriate and we would contend that the applicant should reconsider the concept for this site.

“We might suggest a discussion with the Planning Department regarding acceptable colour choices in particular and alternative design concepts for this area.”

Bosses at Colchester Council have now refused the plans.

They said: “The proposed signage would be a visually incongruous feature and would be harmful to public visual amenity, including the setting of the conservation and surrounding designated heritage assets".

The American fast food chain confirmed it was taking over the former Next store in High Street earlier this year, but an opening date is yet to be announced.

Wendy's already has another restaurant at the Northern Gateway Leisure Park and in Chelmsford High Street, while another is planned in Southend.