A BUSINESSMAN who was refused planning permission to put up new advertising boards outside a former MOT garage has appealed to the Secretary of State.

Richard Page wanted to put the illuminated signs up outside the old Harpers of Cowley garage next door to Storage King on Garsington Road.

Oxford City Council threw his planning application out, saying the boards 'would have an incongruous appearance that would be visually jarring and create a highly cluttered appearance'.

Mr Page has now appealed against the decision to the Secretary of State.