PLANS for new signs outside a Romsey town centre hotel have been described as "naff".

The White Horse Hotel, which is owned by The Coaching Inn Group, has applied for 10 new signs around its building in Market Place.

Romsey Town Council's planning committee discussed the proposals on Thursday, March 28. 

They didn't object to the signs at the back, however they did to three of the four at the front. 

Cllr Ian Culley said: “There is a safety issue with the sign over the arch. Emergency service vehicles may not be able to fit down there. I have concerns about this.”

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Hampshire Chronicle: Signs proposed for The White Horse

Cllr Mark Cooper proposed the objection. He said: “Sign four is hanging on a pair of chains and it will swing in the wind. It's out of keeping with a very fine listed building and therefore inappropriate. 

“The hanging sign (sign one) is far inferior to what is there now. It would be a retrograde step to have a modern sign. 

“Sign two, which are the words The White Horse, is currently symmetrical on the building. This particular application is offset, and it's frankly naff. It's inappropriate for this building.”

No public comments had been submitted in support or objection by Monday, April 1. However, Hampshire County Council's highways officer had concerns over sign four. 

Alistair McMurray said: “The Highway Authority raises no in-principle objections to this proposal; however some clarification/control is required.

“Signage item no 4, relates a suspended sign above the existing “Coachway”…the amended signage for the “Coachway” is altered to a “Courtyard Terrace”.

“Notwithstanding this, is a legal vehicular access and concern in raised in regard to infrastructure that would limit the height of vehicles. Clarification is required in this regard.”

For more details about the plans, search 24/00489/ADVS on Test Valley Borough Council's online planning portal.