PLANS to put up a metal sign in a historic York street look set to be refused.

York Civic Trust and the Fossgate Association submitted plans to put up a permanent sign, to replace the current canvas banner at the top of Fossgate, where it meets Stonebow and Pavement to signal “Fossgate is a street with interest and utility”.

The design of the proposed sign aimed to reflect the area’s heritage, with fish incorporated as a nod to the fish market that stood on Foss Bridge in the 13th Century.

Similar signs are in place at the entrance to the Coppergate Centre and to Shambles Market.

However, in a report before planners next week, Alison Stockdale, development management officer for City of York Council, recommended the plans be refused.

In the report, she said: “The application is considered to harm the visual amenity of the Conservation Area and the visual amenity of the setting of listed buildings.

“In addition, the sign results in visual clutter in a streetscene which is relatively enclosed as a result of the narrowness of the street and already has a number of projecting signs. Finally, the Conservation Area Appraisal highlights the importance of views along Fossgate towards the Minster. These will be impeded by the addition of the permanent sign resulting in further harm to the appearance of the Conservation Area.”

Laura Archer has worked at Connolly’s Home Style in Fossgate for 16 years, and said she believed the new sign was a great idea for what she referred to as “forgotten Fossgate”, but she was shocked to find out the plans had been recommended for refusal.

She said: “It would be very, very disappointing if it doesn’t go ahead. It’s the same as the pedestrianisation of the street; it’s been promised and taken away a few times when there’s so much support for it. It’s not like you can’t walk a little way down the street and see the Minster, that’s ridiculous. I don’t think that’s a valid reason for refusal.

“I’ve already added a comment of support and noticed quite a substantial amount of support. I would encourage councillors to disagree with the report and give it the go ahead.”