SIGNS at the new Westgate centre could create a 'totally unacceptable urban scene' after a flurry of proposals were put forward.

The flagship store John Lewis wants a total of ten signs on the outside of its building and rooftop restaurant - with several currently being installed.

But Oxford Civic Society said if the city council accepted plans for more it would lead to a 'proliferation' of signs all over the city's street scene.

There is a fear that by allowing one company to put in lots of signs it could open the floodgates for more.

Peter Thompson, a former chairman of the society, said: "The site plan shows the location of ten signs, four labelled high level and six labelled low level, including five labelled entrance."

He also said the application was 'poor' and it was unclear where the signs, attached to plans for the rooftop restaurant Kupp, would be going.

He said: "Acceptance of this application would lead to a proliferation of signs, which, if repeated for each of the restaurants in the Westgate, will result in a totally unacceptable urban scene."

The department store has recently submitted two signs on its rooftop restaurant Kupp.

Most of the other John Lewis signs for the store were approved last month after planning officers ruled they were of 'acceptable design' as the company followed the guidelines set out for putting signs up in the city centre.

It comes after Oxford City Council stood firm against Pizza Hut's plans for a bright new sign in High Street to protect the city's heritage.

Council leader Bob Price said the same tough stance had been taken against the new Westgate retailers.

He said: "The Westgate planning application covers the issue of signage and external designs.

"We have worked with Land Securities over designs and that's been part of the negotiations."

Mr Price also said there had been 'some difficulties' making with the new building in Queen Street, to be occupied by Metro Bank.

He said: "It's absolutely crucial to protect the city's heritage and we have been working very hard, for example, on the new buildings on the corner of Queen Street and St Aldate's.

"We are now having some difficulties but we hope it will be resolved to be in keeping with the rest of the city."

Metro Bank will have a temporary shopfront at first after the council said it would refuse its permanent plans.

This month a number of applications have been put forward to the council who will have decisions to make in the coming weeks.

British perfume and scented candle retailer Jo Malone have asked for a giant ‘lightbox’ shop sign - 2.6 metres by 5 metres on the front of the Bonn Square facade as well as smaller signs on the shop window.

Nando's said it had done its best to meet the city's 'shopfront and advertising guide' with its glass panel entrance and ‘dark bronze’ finish.