Marks and Spencer have been told they cannot put an illuminated sign up outside its new Stanway store… because it would be an ‘intrusive’ visual feature.

The brand is pushing on with work at its new store in Stane Park.

In June M&S asked permission to install signs at the new shop.

Bosses overseeing the development of the Stanway store wanted to install three illuminated 3D lettering signs and an illuminated box sign.

They have also asked permission to put vinyl sticker signs on various glazed surfaces and to place 24 trolley bay graphic signs on the shops six bay shelters.

Colchester Council has given the green light for the 3D signs and vinyl stickers but has rejected the box sign.

The sign would have been 2.5m high and 5m wide. 

Issuing its split decision the council said: “The proposed illuminated box sign would have a detrimental impact on visual amenity, being an incongruous and intrusive visual feature within the established landscaping which serves to soften the visual appearance of the A12 road system.

“Despite being an extensive stretch of road, this part of the A12 is particularly green with dense vegetation and trees giving a verdant character along its boundaries.

“The proposed illuminated totem would be particularly incongruous within this setting, particularly within the winter months with the trees having shed their leaves, and due to the signage being visually detached from the site to which it relates (as the associated retail unit would not be readily visible).”

The first signs for M&S went up at the site this month alongside details about the store opening in the autumn.

It comes after the news of Marks and Spencer’s departure from the High Street, where it had operated since 1931, sparked uproar among shoppers.

The new £70million Marks and Spencer will boast 62,000 square-feet and offer food, clothing and homeware.

We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.

Please report any comments that break our rules.

Are you sure you want to delete this comment?

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

© 2001-2022. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. A Gannett Company. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. HP10 9TY. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |

Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event.

As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.

Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.

These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.

It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.