AN ILLUMINATED sign outside a Bloxham service station must be removed following a council decision.

Cherwell District Council’s planning committee refused permission for a partially retrospective application for signage outside the Esso petrol station on the South Newington Road.

A 6.5m totem sign was installed outside the garage without planning permission, and the applicant sought approval to retain it and install a further seven signs and banners.

The proposal was met with objections that the signage was out of character with the rural setting, and would be a risk to motorists.

David Hughes, chairman of Cherwell’s planning committee, said: “Cherwell district is a prosperous and well-connected place to do business.

“But ‘open for business’ definitely doesn’t mean a green light for companies to advertise themselves inappropriately.

“We will be working with the applicant to secure a positive outcome, as it is only fair that businesses should be able to promote themselves to potential clients in keeping with the needs of the area.”

Other reasons for the decision included the impact of the large illuminated sign on nearby residents.