Taylor Wimpey plans for sign advertising Fox Wood development refused

Proposals were sent to St Helens Council planners by Taylor Wimpey for the signage at land to the east of Fox's Bank Lane, Whiston, and north of the M62.

Plans were for an "aluminium sales sign on four posts advertising the nearby development of Fox Wood Garden Village", which would be "visible from the eastbound side of the M62".

In the plans Taylor Wimpey said "that the signage will be located away from the Land at Fox’s Bank Lane, Whiston; however the advertisement will be in reference to Fox Wood Garden Village development".

Fox Wood Garden Village consists of 350 three and four-bedroom homes at the Whiston site. 

A CGI of the Fox Wood development (Image: Taylor Wimpey)

The Star reported last December after Taylor Wimpey launched show homes at the site.

The developer sought permission for the advertising sign but St Helens Council planners rejected the bid. 

In a report recommending refusal, planning officer Tony Jackson said: "The proposed signs are located on a highly visible location adjacent to the eastbound side of the M62 motorway in what is an area of very little built development and relatively open in nature due to its location in the green belt".

It was added: "Due to the size (6.1m X 5m) and location of the advertisements they effectively obstruct the open views at this section and are not sympathetic to their surroundings".

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Mr Jackson added: "The proposed advertisement would be inappropriate development within the green belt, having a detrimental impact by virtue of causing harm to its open nature and character".

it was added "the proposed advertisement would result in a visually dominant addition to this section of the M62 motorway, and would be unsympathetic to its surroundings" and contrary to planning policy.

Advertising consent was refused.