PLANS to install illuminated signs on a Home Bargains logistics building look set to be approved after it was considered that they will not ‘create a distraction’ for drivers on the M62.

An application seeking consent to display seven internally illuminated fascia signs, four internally illuminated totem signs and one externally illuminated free-standing directional sign on land at Omega West, close to the M62, will come before St Helens Council's planning committee next Tuesday.

This application relates to a large logistics building to be occupied by Home Bargains, which is currently under construction.

The application has been reviewed by highways officers at the council and National Highways.

A report to the committee says: “They have reviewed the impacts of the advertisement on highway safety and raise no objections.

“The proposed signage would be of a static illumination and will not change over time to cause a distraction to drivers.

“The proposed signage is not considered to create a distraction for drivers along the M62 due to the static nature of the signage.

“There are a number of signs on buildings along the length of the M62 and this signage on a new building would not cause a materially different distraction to drivers.”

The report also says the proposed advertisement signs do not adversely affect amenity or safety, adding that their siting, scale, appearance and level of illumination is acceptable.

The committee is being recommended to grant consent, subject to a number of conditions.

These include the consent being for five years, any advertisement displayed being maintained in a ‘clean and tidy condition’ to the ‘reasonable satisfaction’ of the council.

Meanwhile, where the removal of any advertisement is required, the removal ‘shall be carried out to the reasonable satisfaction’ of the council.