Cork city hotel refused permission to put logo near top of building

The Dalata Hotel Group had applied for planning permission to erect new signage for the Maldron Hotel on the South Mall. Picture: Larry Cummins

Cork City Council has refused permission for a hotel in the city centre to put its logo higher up the building as it would “contribute to visual clutter” and “set a precedent” for the area.

The Dalata Hotel Group had applied for planning permission to erect new signage for the Maldron Hotel on the South Mall both at ground floor entrance level and another sign near the top of the building.

The proposed logo is different to the existing one at ground floor level which it said would be “in line with their current corporate branding strategy” across Ireland and the UK.

In a rendering included in planning documents, it shows that the new signage would be erected above the parapet of the fourth-storey on the South Mall facade of the building, on the left hand side as you look at it from the street.

The applicants said the design would not detract from the “distinctive architectural features of the building”. 

They said it is “not obtrusive, would not lead to visual clutter or proliferation of same within the area, and would not result in a significant or undue residential or visual disamenity”.

Cork City Council, however, took a different view.

By its location, massing and scale, the council said it would contribute to visual clutter and set a precedent for similar signage on buildings.

“The proposed signage which includes internally illuminated signage would not be in keeping with the established pattern or character of the location, it added.” 

This is not the first time it has been refused permission for signage at the location.

Previously, both City Hall and An Bord Pleanála agreed that a new sign on the South Mall facade would “seriously injure the visual amenities of the streetscape”.

Dalata can still appeal the case to the newly-renamed An Coimisiún Pleanála should it wish to secure permission for the signage.