CARLISLE is set to get a new Armed Forces Careers centre after the plans were approved by planners at Cumberland Council.

A planning application was submitted for two non-illuminated signs at a site in Abbey Street in the heart of the city's Historic Quarter.

According to the application form one was described as a fascia sign and the other would be projecting.

The move to grant planning permission was made on Wednesday (July 24) and, according to the decision notice, it was subject to conditions.

According to a planning report the proposed fascia sign would measure 5.5m by 0.6m, while the projecting sign would measure 0.6m by 0.9m. It states: "The signage would be constructed of aluminium in black, with opal acrylic lettering pushed through."

The report concludes: "In overall terms, the scale and design of the signage would be appropriate to the unit and would preserve the setting of nearby listed buildings and the character of the conservation area. Furthermore, the proposal would not raise any issue in terms of public safety."

According to a heritage statement the application premises is described as an attractive traditional three-storey hipped roof building of original upper floor brick construction, encased windows and comprising an architecturally unexceptional commercia unit with large uninviting recessed display windows which appears very much of its time.

The report states: "The building is situated within the heart of the pedestrianised retail core of the city. The conservation area's character; it's 'significance', results from the context of buildings and structures of numerous historical periods and styles and in many cases those of great antiquity standing alongside modest examples of the city centre's contemporary architecture.

"The combination of old and new built fabric, knitted closely together within the historic pedestrianised street pattern comprise the 'significance' of the conservation area character and setting.

"The presence of ground floor commercial shop frontages of mixed uses and their associated signage forms an integral and important part of the conservation area setting."

The report states that the applicant's proposed re-use of the premises would include an "attractive new frontage and complimentary canopies and signage" which would positively enhance the vitality and viability of the commercial centre and as such will "remain appropriate to the context without harm to historic character of the property or street scene".

It adds: "The new signage of high-quality contemporary design will make a positive contribution to the active and vibrant street scene character and as such will continue to preserve the 'significance' of the identified heritage asset; the conservation area street scene setting.

"The proposed high quality replacement signage to be non-illuminated is well related and complementary to the fascia and facade of the unit and consequently the host building. Therefore, the proposed signage is appropriate to the context and will not cause harm to 'amenity'."