Plans to put new signs on a York supermarket have been refused after council planning officers ruled they would be at odds with the historic building.
City of York Council planning officers refused plans to put vinyl displays and two illuminated facia signs on the Tesco Express in 9-11 Low Ousegate.
A report on the council’s decision stated they would harm a Grade II-listed building inside York’s Central Historic Conservation Area.
Tesco said in its plans for the signs that they were designed to be subtle, easily removable and sensitive to the building’s historic setting.
Plans for the signs included a new Tesco Express one above the stores entrance and a directory suspended inside in the window with opening hours.
Vinyl displays with Tesco branding, including one saying ‘Hello Low Ousegate’ would also have been installed.
Tesco’s plans stated the additions had been designed to respect the historic and architectural significance of the 19th Century buildings which house its store.
Its application added the signs would enhance the store’s visibility and customer experience.
But council planning officers stated in a report the harm done to the character of the building, although less than substantial, would not be outweighed by any public benefits.
They added the vinyls would dominate the window, draw undue attention and be at odds with the historic building.
It’s not the first time City of York Council has turned down a sign on an historic building.
In 2024, it ordered the Old York Tea Room to remove its sign painted on the front of its medieval home on Goodramgate.
