High street stores have been accused of “flagrantly disregarding planning policy” as their shop signs allegedly contravene a local conservation order.
Several businesses in Lee Lane, including Natwest, Ladbrokes and Miller Metcalfe, which fall within the Horwich town centre conservation area, have been accused of breaching regulations with their internally backlit signs.
According to the localised policy, internally lit advertising should not be allowed in the area.
Horwich resident Matt Allen initially wrote to the council about Sainsbury’s and Regency Estates but has since withdrawn his complaint saying that the signs at these companies are rarely illuminated.
However, he asked for several other businesses, including Hootons Pharmacy and Night Bar takeaway, to be investigated instead.
He said: “It seems either that [they] have flagrantly disregarding planning policy or Bolton Council have failed to uphold their own planning laws.”
Bolton Council confirmed that it is investigating the illuminated signage on all properties concerned.
Regency Estates, which recently moved into the former RBS Horwich branch, said the previous tenant already had planning permission in place for an internally illuminated sign.
A spokesman said it is not aware of any ongoing or historic enforcement activity being taken by the council in relation to signage on its premises.
A spokesman for RBS said the bank, which manages the Natwest brand, is investigating the issue.
The other companies have been contacted for comment.
