Country Gospel Hall in rural County Down given go ahead for flashing illuminations sign

Councillors approved the retrospective replacement of a fixed prismatic sign with electronic message display panels at Cardy Gospel Hall, Greyabbey, on the Ards Peninsula.

The signs outside the Gospel Hall had originally been erected without authorisation.

The two electronic screens measure two metres by one metre each and the whole signs in total measure over two metres in height.

At the February meeting of the council’s Planning Committee nine elected representatives voted in favour of approving the electronic display, that was all of the DUP and UUP representatives, and two Alliance reps, while four voted against, three from the Alliance Party and one from the Green Party. Council Planning officers recommended the application be refused.

The council received 10 letters of objection and 21 letters of support, including four petitions of support. There were no objections from any of the statutory consultees.

The site consists of a church building and hall and lies within a rural setting, close to numerous dwellings within the vicinity, just under two kilometres outside Greyabbey.

The Planning Report on the application states: “the height, size and levels of illumination of these signs may result in visual intrusion within the locality where they are situated.

"They can be extremely dominant over long distances and detract not only from the character and appearance of the area in which they are sited but also that of the area from which they are viewed.

“In addition, where they are proposed close to residential properties, they can be detrimental to amenities enjoyed by local residents. One of the stated design guidelines also advises that they should not be sited adjacent to, and wherever possible should not directly face residential properties.”

The Planning Officer added: “The illuminated electronic function of the sign is not acceptable in rural settings. The sign is commercial in appearance which is more characteristic of signage found in an urban setting, particularly commercial premises.

"The sign is uncharacteristic of the countryside setting and in my opinion will cause detrimental harm to the visual amenity of the immediate area.”

One of the letters of support received by the council states: “As a resident living very close to Cardy Gospel Hall I would like you to note my support for their application in relation to signage.

"For generations we have appreciated the display and believe the new modern signage will also keep us informed of activities organised by the church including their weekly services.”

Another states: “I find it especially useful for changing information purposes like times and days for the Mothers and Toddlers group. My children attend events organised for the community.”

However, the council officials concluded: “The Church is able to communicate its events via traditional methods (website, bulletin, magazine, social media). The sign is not considered essential for the communication of church events.

“It is acknowledged that there is support within the community for the signage. The council has no objection in principle to appropriate signage at this location however the illuminated signage currently proposed is considered to have an adverse impact on the character of the rural area.”

DUP Alderman Alan Graham proposed the chamber go against the official recommendation, and approve the retrospective application. He said: “I don’t think the sign being illuminated late at night and in the early hours of the morning is a bigger problem than any other time, because generally speaking most people are fast asleep.

“I can’t see what harm it is going to do, and I can’t see the point of that condition. But I certainly see the point about moving images.”

Alliance Councillor Patricia Morgan said: “While one individual sign is not the end of the world, if we say all our churches can have roadside signs lit up, that will be a significant number, and it would have an impact on our rural and urban areas. I can’t see it is a good thing.”