Designs for new signs, inset, at The Ship in Frome have been approved. Pictures: SR Signs/Somerset Council

New signs at Frome pub approved – despite opposition from residents and groups

Paul JonesAugust 12, 20250 Comment0

NEW signs at a Frome pub – which provoked some opposition from residents and town leaders – have been approved.

Objections to a planning application for new signs at The Ship, in Christchurch Street West, centred on fears lighting was too bright, with one group saying the new logos were too big. However, the application has been approved by Somerset Council.

Before the decision was revealed, objectors to the scheme had commented on the number of lights – and expressed fears over their impact.

Frome Town Council said: “We do not object to the proposed signage, but there are too many lights. There should only be one light on the elevation facing Catherine Street and that light should not be as bright as the lighting proposed, to protect the amenity of the upper floor rooms opposite.”

How the new signs could look at The Ship in Frome. Picture: SR Signs/Somerset Council

It said the area is “already well lit, with a street light right outside the entrance”, and that a condition should be added “restricting the hours of illumination”.

Cllr Martin Dimery, who represents Frome West on Somerset Council, agreed, saying “it seems like overkill on the lighting”.

Other objectors included the Frome Civic Society, who said the signs were “out of proportion”, and several residents.

In the initial application SR Signs, on behalf of applicant Star Pubs and Bars, said the signs were designed “to enhance the site while remaining in-keeping with the surrounding area and historic features”.

“There will also be the addition of lighting to this property as previously there has been little to no external lighting of the building, resulting in no street presence after dark,” it added. “The lighting will only be operational between the trading hours and turned off when the pub is not trading.”

The application was approved by Somerset Council on August 6.