A CONSERVATION group in York has been refused permission to place a large publicity banner on one of its city-centre landmarks.

York Civic Trust wanted to place the banner on the side of Fairfax House in Castlegate, to promote the building, but City of York Council has turned down its planning application.

David Johnson, development management assistant at the council, said in his decision notice: “The proposed sign canvas hanging sign would have a visually damaging effect on the historic character of the conservation area due to its size, prominence and the temporary nature of the material.”

He said banners were generally only permitted to advertise temporary events or where fixed signs were impractical, such as at the assembly rooms.

On its website, Fairfax House is described as the finest Georgian town house in England.

It was built in 1762, adapted in the 1900s as a cinema and dance hall, then saved and restored by the Civic Trust in the early 1980s.