AN Indian restaurant that put up advertising signs on its 18th Century listed building without permission could be forced to take them down.Mid Suffolk District Council is currently considering retrospective applications for listed building consent and approval under advertisement regulations for the signs at the Radhuni Indian Restaurant in Tavern Street, Stowmarket.

By John Howard

AN Indian restaurant that put up advertising signs on its 18th Century listed building without permission could be forced to take them down.

Mid Suffolk District Council is currently considering retrospective applications for listed building consent and approval under advertisement regulations for the signs at the Radhuni Indian Restaurant in Tavern Street, Stowmarket.

The signs promoting the restaurant and take-away and its free car park have upset the town council after they were displayed on the outside of the Grade II-listed timber-framed restaurant.

The beamed property, originally two houses, dates back to the mid 18th Century and Stowmarket Town Council has recommended the signs should not be allowed to stay because they are out of place within the community's Conservation Area.

Councillors voted overwhelmingly to recommend to Mid Suffolk District Council that the signs to be refused consent.

Malcolm Baker, town clerk, said: “There was widespread concern amongst councillors. This is a conservation area, it's a listed building.”

A spokeswoman for the district council said: “We were alerted to this signage following a complaint from a resident.

“We are currently in the process of reviewing two applications on this business, in relation to the three signs that have been placed on this building without permission. The applications are for listed building consent and advertisement regulations, due to the size of the signs in question.

“The proprietor of this business originally applied back in August 2006. Unfortunately he did not provide all the information necessary because there were no colour photos or plans submitted for us to be in a position to review either application.

“We are now in a position where we have all the information and both applications will be considered in tandem by a senior planning officer and we are in the consultation stages.

“If the application is declined then the file will be transferred to the enforcement team to ensure the signs are taken down.”

A spokesman for the restaurant said the signs were to advertise the business and were needed after the restaurant changed its name.

He said that they replaced others that were already on the property in the same places and that only one is illuminated, with a low 60 watt power light.

john.howard@eadt.co.uk