A new Warwick bistro which opened this spring has been told it cannot add another sign to the front of the building after being refused planning permission.

Rangoli on Smith Street had applied for planning permission for gold perspex lettering on the front of the grade II listed restaurant.

However, the application has been refused by Warwick District Council (WDC) which said the scheme would "result in harm to the listed building".

A council report said: "It is considered that harm will arise to the building from the addition of further branding, which will overwhelm the constrained elevation and will result in visual clutter which undermines the historic integrity and significance of the heritage asset. 

"It is considered that there is no public benefit from the proposal, as the building is already well served by signage, and that other, less permanent and obtrusive methods such as A-boards, could attract further attention at ground floor level without imposing themselves on the heritage asset. 

"This is a method that is employed by the neighbouring Oken's Café."

The proposed new sign for Rangoli on Smith Street (image via planning application)

Rangoli - an Indian bistro - already has a hanging sign which it is allowed to keep.

In its application for the extra lettering, the business said it would not compromise the historic nature of the restaurant or the area.

"The design of the signage is in keeping with the history of the building as there was previously a sign in its place many years ago as per the artist's drawing attached," it said. 

"Also the colour of the sign letters will be gold, and only 5mm thick letters and 200mm height so they blend into the design and heritage of Castle Street. 

"Furthermore, no lighting or illumination is installed in the sign, or backlighting as per other modern signs as this is not in keeping with the heritage of the building."

However, the application was also met by an objection from Warwick Town Council which argued the gold letters were "not in accordance with the WDC shop front policy".

See the full application here.