CARLISLE city centre is set to get a new food outlet after plans to repaint a shopfront and install an external illuminated projecting sign were this week approved by Cumberland Council.

Planning permission for the two planning applications was granted, subject to conditions, on Tuesday (October 22) and they were for a unit in Botchergate.

It is proposed that the unit will be a branch of Pepe's Piri Piri and according to the decision and reasons report for the repainting application the colour of the shopfront is "sharp and not muted". It adds: "It is acknowledged that the chosen colour is part of the restaurant brand.

"Given that it will be located at a busy centre area, and that the extent of changes will only limit on the colour of the shopfront and new signage, it is not felt that the proposal would not have an adverse visual impact upon the
visual amenity of the area, to an extent which is significant enough to warrant refusal of the application.

"Furthermore, it is felt that the development would make a positive contribution to the conservation area by bringing of a vacant unit back into use within the city centre location. In overall terms, it is considered that the proposal is compliant with the relevant policies."

The report for the display of the externally illuminated fascia and externally illuminated projecting sign states that it was not felt that the proposed signage would form a "discordant feature" within the immediate surroundings. It adds: "It is not considered that the proposal will detrimentally affect the character or appearance of the Botchergate Conservation Area."

When considering public safety, the planning officer felt that, taking into consideration the proposed location and scale of the sign, it was not felt that the proposal would represent a distraction to highway users or have a detrimental impact on public safety.

The report concludes: "In overall terms, the proposed signage is considered appropriate, and public safety and the visual character of the area would not be adversely affected as a result of this proposal. In all aspects, the fascia sign in question would be in compliance with the objectives of the relevant policies."

According to a heritage statement Botchergate Conservation Area was designated in January 1994 and the report states: "The current site is vacant previously used as a restaurant; the shopfront is timber framed
painted light grey. The shopfront is in good condition and will be retained."