PROPOSED new signs for the extension of Chester’s Queen Hotel into adjoining former offices were refused consent by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The application was put forward by Mr Stuart Hunter for The Feathers Group.

Thistle House, a mid 20th century tower block had approval for a change of use from offices to provide additional hotel accommodation in 2007, according to a report.

A single storey link has been built to the block from the grade two listed Queen Hotel.

Both premises are in the internationally important City Centre Conservation Area.

Mr Hunter told planning officers he was seeking approval for an internally illuminated logo sign at a height of 20m, facing City Road and for gold lettering extending from 5m above ground to a height of nearly 19m.

This would also be illuminated.

Highway officers did not believe the signs would be detrimental to road safety and raised no objection.

Road and the position of the building adjacent to the grade two listed hotel, planning officers suggested.

They felt the logo sign would be out keeping and thought there was insufficient detail as to how the lettering would be illuminated.

Overall, they recommended the application should be refused.

The council agreed that consent could not be granted.