A sign put up on one of York’s oldest buildings will have to go, York council has ruled.
The Happy Valley Chinese Restaurant on Goodramgate will either have to take down its sign or appeal the verdict.
Owners Junyue Tan put in a retrospective planning application after a one-man protest by York resident Gordon Campbell-Thomas.
That application has now been refused.
In her ruling, Becky Eades, City of York Council’s head of planning and development services, said: “The host building is listed at Grade I and the timber framed properties are believed to be the oldest row of houses in York; Lady Row is considered one of the earliest examples in England of the medieval jettied houses.
“The signboard that has been applied to the principal elevation of this Grade I listed building, due to its location, scale and use of materials, is harmful and detracts from the building’s significance; its exceptionally fine architectural and historic character and its setting within the Central Historic Core Conservation Area.”
She said that put it in conflict with various planning policies, including the draft local plan and listed buildings guidance.
Neighbouring business the Old York Tea Room was also the target of a Mr Campbell-Thomas protest over its painted sign.
It too submitted a retrospective planning application which was refused. The owners have appealed the decision.