Southend seafront ice cream parlour launch appeal over signs

The owner of Scoops 37, on Pier Hill, had a retrospective planning application rejected by Southend Council earlier this year after installing a lit-up sign on a colourful blue background.

At the time, the council branded the sign “over scaled” and inappropriate despite the business sitting next to a series of empty shops on Pier Hill.

Owner John Remblance has now lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate in the hope of keeping the sign and has been praised by fellow trader Paul Thompson for his effort to brighten up the area.

Mr Remblance has also lodged an appeal over the council’s decision to reject an application for his other businesses sign - Circus Circus amusements - just two doors away.

Mr Thompson, owner of Pebbles One, said: “I am surprised it was refused.

“They spent a lot of investment to modernise the business and area.

“A seafront is supposed to be bright and lively like that kind of thing.

“So, I am surprised and I hope it can stay.”

The business opened back in April 2023 replacing the gift shop, Gaiety Bazaar, after a £600,000 investment.

At the time the retrospective plans were refused, bosses believed they had been “penalised for doing something that they thought was for the good of Pier Hill and the city”.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for business, culture, and tourism, said: “I have seen they have submitted an appeal, so it will now go to the planning inspector.

“The council will submit their evidence for the decision it made, and we will await a decision.”

Residents were quick to defend the businessman’s signs on the Echo’s Facebook page.

Jeanette Wendon Petty said: “It is typical seaside frontage and looks great.”

Jenny Godfrey wrote: “It is lovely. It brightens the seafront up.”

Linda Ruperez-Perera added: “Not a thing wrong here. It is an ice-cream parlour on a seaside seafront. Looks miles better than what was there.”