V for Vets has already secured permission to open in an annexe at the Horizon Business Centre in Peachman Way, near Postwick – the £7m Broadland Business Park headquarters of Broadland and South Norfolk councils.
The company was granted permission for the change of use of office space for the round-the-clock veterinary hospital in January, but now needs to get the go-ahead for signs on the outside of the building.
But, with two of the signs due to be illuminated, Postwick Parish Council has objected to the proposal.
The annexe to the Horizon Centre, where the new vets would be based (Image: Newsquest)
The parish council, in its objection, says: “Our primary concern relates to the excessive luminosity of the proposed signage and its potential to exacerbate light pollution in our parish.
“We believe the proposed illumination level of 468 candelas is unduly high and will have a detrimental impact on the night sky and local environment.
“The proposed signage, situated atop the building, will further contribute to the existing glow from the business park, undermining our efforts to preserve the remaining dark skies and negatively affecting the rural character of our parish.
“Furthermore, we are concerned about the potential impact on local wildlife.
“Unnecessary and excessive artificial light at night can disrupt the natural behaviour patterns of various species, including nocturnal animals.
“We kindly request that the planning authority carefully consider these points and reject this planning application.”
However, officers at Broadland District Council are recommending that members of the authority’s planning committee permit the signs when they make a decision at a meeting on Wednesday.
Officers say the impact on wildlife is not a planning consideration for new signs.
And they said the proposed illumination level is similar to other signs within Broadland Business Park so the harm to amenity is “considered as negligible”.
When permission for the change of use of the building was agreed, concerns were raised that it could lead to dog mess outside the council’s reception.
But officers said ongoing engagement with the veterinary practice and site management would prevent that being an issue.