AN appeal has been lodged after civic chiefs rejected a retrospective application for a shopfront sign in an upmarket Hampshire town.

New Forest District Council refused to support a belated bid to obtain planning permission for a sign outside Nicola’s Fabrics, a Grade II listed building in the Lymington Conservation Area.

Under the rules a council considering a retrospective application must treat the work carried out as if it were still only a proposal.

A council report said: “The proposal is to repaint the existing fascia board and add removable stickers with the name of the shopfront and phone number.

“The proposed sign would be harmful to the character and appearance of conservation area and the listed building.”

The applicant, Nicola Church, is hoping a government-appointed planning inspector will quash the council’s decision.

She said: “Careful consideration was given to the surrounding area to ensure the design was in keeping with neighbouring shopfronts.

“Our immediate neighbour has a similar sign with a stylised name and phone number."